Fawell jury deliberates 1st full day

March 13, 2003

BY STEVE WARMBIR FEDERAL COURTS REPORTER

Jurors in the political corruption case of Scott Fawell appeared to roll up their sleeves and get to work Wednesday in their first full day of deliberations.

Jurors, who received the case Tuesday afternoon, have sent several notes to U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, including a request for 12 highlighters and 12 copies of the indictment.

The judge decided they should get the highlighters, but not the additional indictment copies, with the judge having them make do with one.

The defense for Fawell, a former top aide to George Ryan, objected to even one copy going back to the jurors, and was even more unhappy with the prospect of 12 copies.

Fawell has been charged with using state resources and employees to help out Ryan and other politicians in their campaigns.

He also has been accused of lying to a federal grand jury investigating the matter and overseeing vast shredding parties.

The jury will resume deliberations this morning.