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Jurors Return To Deliberate Mob Murder Charges

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Jurors Return To Deliberate Mob Murder Charges

Family Secrets Jury Was On Weeklong Break

CHICAGO (AP) ― Jurors deliberating in Chicago's biggest mob trial in years have returned after an unusual weeklong break, but a federal judge has warned attorneys not to expect a quick decision.

"There is nothing that indicates to me that they are anywhere near a verdict nor that there is any form of disagreement," U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel told lawyers at a hearing Wednesday night.

The jury has already convicted the defendants of taking part in a racketeering conspiracy that involved illegal gambling, extortion, loan sharking and 18 long unsolved mob murders.

For two days, jurors deliberated whether to hold four of the defendants responsible for specific murders listed in the indictment -- something that would boost their maximum sentences for the racketeering conspiracy conviction to life in prison. The murders include that of Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, the mob's longtime man in Las Vegas and the model for the Joe Pesci character in the movie "Casino."

Then Zagel gave the jurors the break without explanation, directing them to come back and resume their work on Thursday.

Witnesses at the 10-week trial told how those who defied Chicago's organized crime family, known as the Outfit, were beaten, strangled and shot to make certain that they would not divulge its secrets to the FBI.

Those on trial are: James Marcello, 65; Frank Calabrese, 70; Joseph "Joey the Clown" Lombardo, 78; Paul Schiro, 70, and Anthony Doyle, 62.

Doyle is the only defendant not accused of direct involvement in murder and therefore does not face the possibility of life in prison.

Zagel told lawyers the complex nature of the work the jury now faces may mean long deliberations.

"I would not be surprised if these deliberations take longer than the deliberations on the charges," Zagel said.

At least one lawyer grumbled publicly last week that he was caught by surprise by the break in deliberations. But when the attorneys met with Zagel late Wednesday he did not complain.

The lawyers met with the judge in his chambers later but left the courthouse without commenting on what transpired.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)