Blagojevich jury breaks for weekend

CHICAGO, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Jurors in the case of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich broke early Friday, suggesting a verdict would not come before next week, legal analysts said.

The eighth day of deliberations in the corruption trial of Blagojevich ended at about 1 p.m. as the jury went home for the weekend, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Jurors are deliberating on 24 counts against Blagojevich, accused of pressuring potential campaign donors for contributions in exchange for state actions.

He is also accused of trying to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.

Blagojevich did not testify in his trial, and his defense team presented no witness, sending the matter to the jury earlier than expected.

The jury has not sent any notes or questions to the judge in the last five days, the Tribune said.