Sick Juror Delays Deliberations in Joseph Bongiovanni Bribery Trial: Will Alternate Replace?
Buffalo, New York – The Joseph Bongiovanni bribery and corruption trial took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when jurors were sent home due to a sick juror. U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo acknowledged that even a federal judge cannot prevent someone from falling ill. The trial, which began on April 3 after 24 days of testimony and closing arguments, was set to enter its fifth day of deliberations. Joseph Bongiovanni, a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, faces 15 felony charges including accepting bribes, shielding drug traffickers, and lying to investigators. Defense attorneys for Bongiovanni … Read more