GREENSBORO, N.C., May 29 (UPI) -- Jurors in the corruption trial of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., concluded their seventh day of deliberation in Greensboro without reaching a verdict.
Jurors began deliberating a week ago and have reviewed all exhibits in the case, CNN reported. The jury was called into a closed-door session Tuesday with Judge Catherine Eagles, who then admonished them in an open court session to be careful what they say and not to discuss the case outside of court or in small groups among themselves, ABC News reported.
As she entered the courtroom at one point during the afternoon, the judge said, "The jury has sent a note that they've reached..."
As those in the courtroom listened for the rest of the announcement, Eagles said: "a good stopping point" -- getting a laugh. However, the judge subsequently apologized for the joke, ABC reported.
Edwards is charged with accepting illegal campaign contributions, conspiracy to receive and conceal the contributions and falsifying documents, which carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.
Prosecutors accuse Edwards of "knowingly and willingly" accepting nearly $1 million from a pair of donors to conceal his affair with Rielle Hunter and her pregnancy during the 2008 presidential campaign. He is accused of then hiding the donations by filing false or misleading campaign disclosure reports.
Edwards' defense argued he was guilty of no more than infidelity to his wife Elizabeth, who died two years ago.
Neither Edwards nor Hunter testified during the trial.
