The jury weighing whether to convict New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez of federal bribery charges sent the judge a cryptic note Monday morning — asking whether they need to be unanimous in voting “not guilty” on a single count.
The six men and six women deciding the embattled Democrat’s fate did not specify what count they were asking about.
But the note, which came on the second day of deliberations, suggests that panelists are considering acquitting either the senator or his two co-defendants on at least one charge.
“Does a not guilty verdict on a single count require unanimity?” the jury said, in the note read aloud in Manhattan federal court just after 11 a.m.
Judge Sidney Stein sent jurors a note back explaining that they need to be unanimous on every count in the feds’ indictment, whether they vote to convict or acquit.
Menendez, 70, is charged with 16 felonies, including bribery, extortion and acting an an illegal foreign agent, in connection to an alleged scheme to scoop up gold bars, cash and other bribes in exchange for catering to the whims of Garden State businessmen and foreign governments.
The senator’s alleged partners in the scheme, businessman Wael Hana and real estate mogul Fred Daibes, face bribery and other charges as well.
The jury returned for a second day of deliberations Monday morning after huddling for around three hours Friday afternoon without reaching a decision.