Jurors deciding the outcome of DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis’ trial will continue deliberations Tuesday, the sixth day they have wrestled with the corruption charges against him.
As each day of deliberations has passed, the more relaxed Ellis has appeared in court.
He has smiled more often, often talking with his wife and supporters who have attended his five-week trial.
The jury of 10 black women and two white women hasn’t given any indication which way it’s leaning, but the lack of a verdict so far indicates they haven’t been able to agree.
Ellis has pleaded not guilty to accusations that he abused his power to threaten contractors into contributing to his successful 2012 re-election campaign. He’s fighting charges of bribery, theft, extortion and perjury.
Jury squabbles
After the jury wrote a note about personality conflicts and lack of leadership Thursday, there was no outward sign of dissension Friday.
The jury sent a few notes to Judge Courtney Johnson on Friday requesting to take a day off Monday, Columbus Day, and asking about the legal definition of “to wit” in the indictment, which means “namely.”
Another note from a juror who had been upset the previous day apologized for making a disturbance after she felt “bullied” in the jury room.
The jury deliberated about six hours on Friday. It wasn’t known whether jurors had chosen a new foreperson.
Possible outcomes
Johnson has instructed the jury to work toward reaching a unanimous verdict for each of the 13 felony charges in the case.
If jurors can’t reach a consensus, a mistrial could be declared. Then District Attorney Robert James would have to decide whether to seek a re-trial or drop the charges.
A guilty verdict on any of the charges pending against Ellis would likely end his political career. Ellis would remain suspended without pay until his appeals were exhausted, according to the Georgia Constitution.
But if Ellis is found not guilty, he would be reinstated to his elected role as the leader of DeKalb County, controlling a government that oversees about 713,000 residents and a $1.2 billion budget.
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