Jon Campbell of the Gannett Albany Bureau had this to report from the Bruno trial today:

   The first day of jury deliberations in the case against former Senate Republican Leader Joe Bruno wrapped up without a verdict this evening, with deliberations set to continue Monday morning despite Judge Gary Sharpe’s warning that a five-day layoff could be “dangerous.”

   Bruno, 80, is in court on charges he defrauded the state and its residents by accepting nearly $3.2 billion from companies in exchange for his political influence and assistance with referrals. The prosecution alleges Bruno, of Brunswick, Rensselaer County, used his public office for personal gain.

   “I am totally confident – as I have said for several weeks – that we have done nothing wrong and the evidence proves that we have done nothing wrong,” Bruno said outside the James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse in Albany.

   The trial began more than three weeks ago, and closing arguments concluded yesterday. The jury began deliberations at 9 a.m., and the first note to the court from the jury arrived at 2:49 p.m.

   The jury asked for a clarification regarding evidence surrounding the third count facing Bruno, a charge that alleges Bruno committed mail and wire fraud in his business dealings with VyTek, a company owned by Westchester County-based business owner Leonard Fassler.

   Sharpe allowed testimony about Fassler’s other business ventures to be
discussed, but reminded the jury they must unanimously decide whether
or not Bruno broke the law in dealing specifically with VyTek.

   At 4:23 p.m., Sharpe called the jury back into the courtroom to discuss how they wanted to continue with the Thanksgiving holiday looming. He sternly reminded members of the jury that if they decided to adjourn until
Monday they are not to discuss the case with anyone.

   “You have to respect your views and not allow anyone or anything affect your views, other than what you have heard in this courtroom,” Sharpe said.

   The jury opted to break for the holiday weekend. Members were seen exiting the building just before 5 p.m. and will return at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

   Monday’s proceedings will start with the reading of testimony from Francis Gluchowski, as requested by the jury. During the trial, the former Senate lawyer recalled a phone conversation he had with Chief Senate Counsel Kenneth Riddett about whether Bruno’s dealings with Connecticut-based company Wright Investors’ Services needed to be reviewed by the Legislative Ethics Committee.

   Bruno remained loose and confident throughout the day, joking with reporters and friends. “I’m very optimistic and I’m very upbeat and I’m very confident,” he said.