NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- The judge in the New York trial of former Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski denied a new motion for a mistrial Tuesday and jurors deliberated a ninth day.
The New York Post reported deliberations appeared to have calmed down with requests for legal guidance and reviews of evidence. Last week, the jury sent Judge Michael Obus a note complaining of a "poisonous atmosphere" in deliberations and of the behavior of one juror -- who sent her own note accusing others of being unwilling to consider the prosecution might not have proved its case.
The latest mistrial motion came from a lawyer for co-defendant Mark Swartz. The lawyer argued the apparent holdout juror was the subject of "venomous and outrageous statements" in online chat rooms that could interfere with her ability to view the evidence impartially.
Obus said the motion was essentially the same as one Monday by Kozlowski's lawyer, who argued the woman was under pressure after being identified in the press.
Kozlowski and Swartz are accused of looting the company of $600 million in bonuses and personal loans not approved by the board and improper stock sales.
