ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The jury in the federal corruption trial of former New York Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno broke for the Thanksgiving weekend Tuesday without a verdict.
Bruno, a Republican and formerly one of the most powerful politicians in the state, exchanged Thanksgiving greetings with some of those in the courtroom before leaving, the Albany Times Union reported.
U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe warned jurors against discussing the case during the five-day break.
Lawyers gave their summations Monday. Federal prosecutors say Bruno cheated the citizens of New York by failing to disclose lucrative consulting contracts with companies doing business with the state.
Defense lawyers say Bruno did nothing wrong or at least nothing illegal.
"This is an indictment that seems to be in search of an actual crime," Abbe Lowell said. "The government is not the salary police … and Mr. Bruno was sensitive to even the appearance of problems."
Bruno, 80, entered politics in the 1960s as a campaign aide to Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1976, representing the Saratoga area.
