Judge in Casey Anthony Case Doesn't Play, Holds Potential Juror in Contempt for Talking to Media
As an unusual off-site jury selection process continued today in Pinellas County, Fla., for a high-profile murder trial in Orlando, the presiding judge had his patience tested.
Yesterday, Orange-Oscela Chief Judge Belvin Perry dismissed 50 prospects after they unexpectedly conversed about the Casey Anthony case with a potential witness who happened to be included in the panel. Today, he was informed that another prospect had defied his order not to discuss the case with the media, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
So Perry held Jonathan Green in contempt and fined him $450. The supermarket employee, who will pay the fine off in $50 monthly increments, was philosophical, saying: “Well, at least I got out of jury duty.”
Other prospects tried alternative methods to escape the prospect of two months sequestered in a city several hours away from home.
A man who claimed his narcolepsy and sleep apnea could cause him to drop off unexpectedly at any time nonetheless was asked to stay for a second round of questions, the newspaper recounts.
However, a woman who said she is a devout Catholic and complained that the trial would interfere with her practice of praying multiple times daily was excused.
Anthony, who says she is not guilty, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Judge Plans to Sequester Out-of-County Jury for 6-8 Weeks in Casey Anthony Murder Trial”
