PHILADELPHIA – A foreman has resigned. Another juror has been hospitalized. And a third juror in a Philadelphia mob case suddenly recalls knowing a defense witness, and not liking him.
The jury is seemingly in chaos two weeks into deliberations. But federal Judge Eduardo Robreno denied a mistrial Friday and instead ordered a newly-configured panel to start over.
The two-month trial involves 73-year-old reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six others.
They're charged with racketeering, gambling and loansharking.
Defense lawyers have called the prosecution's case "mob light" because of the lack of bloodshed.
The original foreman remains on the panel despite asking to be replaced. He says his fellow juror's criticism of the defense witness influenced him.
A prosecutor said Thursday he feared the jury was "wandering in the desert."
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