Developments keep popping up in the ongoing fraud trial of former horse owner David Brooks, which is now in its seventh month. It has been reported that U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert has had to remind jurors of proper protocol. Also, it has been reported that the Nassau County jail in
which Brooks is being held has issued a statement regarding his incarceration.
Newsday.com has reported that Seybert has had to remind jurors of how to respect each other's opinions. The article also states that one juror sent Seybert a note saying, "I would like to be excused from the jury because there are people on the jury who at times do not add any input. ... I feel that they are prolonging the case because they don't want to go back to work."
The report goes on to state that instead of dismissing the reluctant juror, Seybert essentially repeated the remarks she made last week to all the jurors, asking them to respect the opinions of other jurors, but not to change opinions "simply because you are outnumbered."
In regard to Brooks' unhappiness with the conditions he is currently being held under at the Nassau County jail, Elizabeth Loconsolo, the general counsel for the jail, released a statement defending the treatment of Brooks.
"The County has just recently been served with a writ filed on behalf of David Brooks," the statement explains. "We believe that the specific security procedures and administrative restrictions imposed upon Mr. Brooks are both reasonable and appropriate under the totality of the circumstances presented in this case, and have been properly imposed for the overall safety, security and good order of the facility."
(With files from newsday.com)
Related Stories
• Brooks Found With Pills In Courtroom
• Psychiatrist: Brooks Needs Ativan
• Brooks' Affinity For Pens