CHICAGO - Jurors at the Conrad Black trial adjourned for the week with no verdict, after a day of heightened speculation that the former press baron may be close to discovering his fate.
The twelve-member jury is trying to decide whether Black and three other former Hollinger International executives defrauded shareholders by conspiring to steal millions of dollars as prosecutors allege.
Jurors left the court early Thursday, and returned Friday in more formal wear than what they had been dressed in throughout the trial. The change of attire, along with rumours about jury notes indicating progress in the case and a friendly gesture by lead prosecutor Eric Sussman -- who offered Dunkin Donuts munchkins to reporters "for sustenance" -- led to frenzied speculation around the courtroom that a verdict was near.
But jurors filed out as 2 p.m. CT as planned on their seventh day of deliberations, promising to return at 9 a.m. Monday morning.
Prosecutors allege that Black and the others orchestrated a scheme to pocket about US$60 million in non-compete payments negotiated with buyers when Hollinger sold newspaper assets, money that should have gone to company shareholders. They also allege Black fraudulently misused about $20 million in company funds on perks such as lavish parties and trips and a Manhattan apartment.
If they are convicted, the U.S. government is seeking a forfeiture of as much as US$92 million because it says the money is the proceeds of crime.
Black and his three co-defendants have not been convicted of any crimes and deny all wrongdoing.
