Reports that a verdict had been reached in the ongoing corruption case against former Schneider Regional Medical Center heads Rodney Miller Sr., Amos Carty Jr. and Peter Najawicz had everyone running into V.I. Superior Court early Thursday evening, but after reconvening for about an hour, it appeared to be a false alarm.
Tension filled the courtroom after jurors filed in around 6 p.m. and handed the verdict papers to Judge Michael C. Dunston, who has been presiding over the trial for the past month and a half.
"Am I correct in my understanding that you have reached a verdict in this case?" Dunston asked, as the jurors nodded and handed over the documents.
At the defendants’ table, the three former officials sat quietly, while both prosecuting and defense attorneys shifted in their seats in anticipation of the verdict.
Dunston read through the papers for approximately five minutes, then called the attorneys up for a brief sidebar. As they huddled, spectators in the courtroom strained to hear what was going on, but not a sound escaped.
Dunston’s next words were unexpected.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that you have not reached a verdict in this case, so I am going to dismiss you for the evening, and ask that you return tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., where I will give you further instructions and ask you to continue your deliberations," he said.
Marching out of the room, the jury’s confusion was audible, as loud shouts and exclamations were heard in the hallway. Outside, neither prosecuting nor defense attorneys said they could offer any explanation as to what was going on, since there has been a gag order in effect since the beginning of the trial, but at least Carty’s defense team appeared to be in good spirits.
The Source will continue to report on the case as more details become available.
