A New York federal judge on Thursday declared a mistrial in the corruption case against New York City labor leader Norman Seabrook and Platinum Partners LP founder Murray Huberfeld, after the jury, having deliberated about 36 hours over six days, announced itself for a second time to be deadlocked.
“After continued, spirited discussion and contemplation of the evidence, we find ourselves no closer to reaching a unanimous verdict and see no prospect of making further progress,” the jurors’ final note said.
The jury, which began considering the charges of honest services wire fraud and conspiracy against Seabrook and Huberfeld on Nov. 8, first told U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter they were deadlocked around noon on Tuesday.
Seabrook, 57, is the former head of the New York City correction officer’s union, the largest municipal jail guard union in the country, which he ed for over two decades.
He faced charges that he accepted a $60,000 bribe in return for investing $20 million in union money with a hedge fund.
The government’s chief witness told jurors Seabrook was promised between $100,000 and $150,000 annually for investing in the hedge fund.
The witness said he stuffed $60,000 in a pricey Ferragamo handbag — worth nearly $1,000 — hoping an elegant presentation would make up for a less-than-expected cash total.
Seabrook’s lawyer said he acted honorably and legally to make a reasonable investment for his union, and portrayed the star prosecution witness as a liar.
Seabrook had been free on bail since his June 2016 arrest on conspiracy and fraud charges. Investigators seized $28,700 in cash, most of it from a bedroom safe, from Seabrook’s Bronx home when he was arrested. They also seized the bag the cash allegedly was delivered in and 10 pairs of Ferragamo shoes.
For more than two decades, Seabrook had been a powerbroker in New York City, representing guards in the city’s 10,000-inmate jail system as head of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association.
Defense lawyers say much of that cash was from gambling winnings and had nothing to do with a bribe.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim released the following statement:
“Unfortunately, the jury in the trial against Norman Seabrook was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. We look forward to a retrial where we will present again the powerful proof of how Seabrook allegedly sold his duty to safeguard correction officers’ retirement money in exchange for cash bribes. Although justice has been delayed, we expect it will ultimately prevail.”
(Nat Golden – YWN)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
Serves former district attorney preset bharara right , He only went after people for personal gain not for a real desire for justice to be done. He didn’t care about any consequences as long as it would benefit him.