The judge in the John Edwards trial says she is dealing with a juror issue and she is warning the panel not to deliberate outside the jury room or in small groups.
U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles closed the courtroom to reporters Friday afternoon for about 35 minutes to talk to attorneys about a jury matter. When she reopened the courtroom, she said she would possibly take up the same "juror issue" Tuesday.
No other information was given.
However New York magazine reported earlier on Friday that Edwards and an attractive female alternate juror had been "flirting" in the courtroom. It is not known whether this is the issue the judge is addressing.
Quoting an unidentified ABC newsman covering the trial, the magazine said on its website, "Since the alternates were identified last Thursday, it has been impossible to ignore the dynamic between Edwards and one of the female alternates, an attractive young woman with jet-black hair, who seems to have been flirting with Edwards for days.
"The juror clearly instigated the exchanges," New York added. "She smiles at him. He smiles at her. She giggles. He blushes.
"The flirtation has become so obvious that even Edwards’ attorneys have to work to suppress their laughter at the absurdity of it all."
Eagles dismissed the jury until Tuesday and warned members not to discuss the case after its sixth day of deliberations.
Prosecutors say Edwards spearheaded a plan to use money from two wealthy donors to hide his pregnant mistress as he sought the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.