Jury Watch Day 3: Bob Mayo Blogs The Cyril Wecht Trial In PittsburghPOSTED: 12:36 pm EDT March 20,
2008 Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo is covering the trial of Dr. Cyril Wecht at the federal courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh. He will be posting blogs as often as possible from court. These are the raw notes that were sent on his mobile device. Wecht Trial Day 27 - March 20, 2008: Jury Watch Day 38:30 AM Today is Dr. Cyril Wecht's birthday. The defendant turned 77 today, as the jury entered its third day of deliberations in his federal trial on mail and wire fraud and theft of services charges.10:00 AM We're halfway through the thirteenth hour of deliberations. So far today, there have been no questions from the jury for the judge.1:00 PM The Wecht jury has now deliberated a total of 15 1/2 hours over the course of three days. If there is no verdict within the next 45 minutes, Judge Arthur Schwab will bring the jury into the courtroom to remind them of his instructions before they leave for the day at 2:00 PM. Those instructions have been repeated periodically throughout the trial: they are not to discuss the case with anyone and they are not to watch, listen to, or read news coverage of the case.As has been the case throughout this trial, they are not in session on Fridays. The judge has said previously that they will also not be in session next Monday, March 24th.1:38 PM Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Stallings has entered the courtroom.1:41 PM Dr. Cyril Wecht has just arrived, accompanied by defense attorneys Jerry McDevitt and Mark Rush. Former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, who is part of Wecht's legal team, is here, seated with Sigrid Wecht, the defendant's wife.1:43 PM Judge Arthur Schwab is now on the bench and calls for the jury to be brought in. He wishes them "a joyous first day of spring" and says "spring break is now upon us". He says that during this recess and all other recesses they are not to discuss the case with each other or with anyone else. He says that if anyone tries to approach them and discuss the case, they should report it to the judge.He again reminds them not to watch, read, or listen to coverage of this case. He also tells them not to use the internet to research the case.He notes that he has not sequestered them and that he trusts them not to violate his order. He urges them again not to discuss the case, even with family and friends.They are to return back at 8:30 AM next Tuesday. He te3lls them to have a great and safe weekend.1:48 PM The jury has now left the room. Judge Schwab calls the attorneys from both sides up to speak with him privately at sidebar before they leave.1:52 PM Court is adjourned. Copyright 2008 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | Special Coverage
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