Mistrial sought in Castroneves case

MIAMI, April 15 (UPI) -- Attorneys for Indy 500 driver Helio Castroneves have moved for a mistrial in the $5.5 million tax evasion case against the Miami resident.

The request came during the third day of jury deliberations when the federal judge hearing the case clarified instructions to the panel on key legal issues, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

Jurors' confusion over complex tax issues prompted a clarification by U.S. District Judge Donald Graham but Castroneves' attorneys said in court papers that his instructions amounted to a "substantial change."

Graham hasn't ruled on the motion, which was filed late Tuesday as jurors completed their deliberations for the day.

Castroneves is charged in a seven-count indictment with failing to pay taxes on $5.5 million he earned from 1999-2004.

His case went to the jury last Friday after a six-week trial.