Jury chaos, but no mistrial at Philly mob trial

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - January 18, 2013 (WPVI) -- A foreman has resigned. Another juror has fallen ill. And a third juror in a Philadelphia mob case suddenly recalls knowing something about a defense witness, and not liking him.

The jury is seemingly in chaos two weeks into deliberations. But federal Judge Eduardo Robreno has denied a mistrial Friday and instead ordered a newly-configured panel to start over.

The two-month trial involves 73-year-old reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six others.

They're charged with racketeering, gambling and loansharking.

Defense lawyers have called the prosecution's case "mob light" because of the lack of bloodshed.

The original foreman remains on the panel despite telling the judge his fellow juror's attack on the defense witness influenced him.

A prosecutor said Thursday he feared the jury was "wandering in the desert."

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