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NEW YORK (AP) — A jury had deliberated about four hours without reaching a verdict in the bribery trial of a former top aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Deliberations began Thursday for jurors who heard evidence against Joseph Percoco and three businessmen.
The jury is considering claims that the 48-year-old Percoco accepted over $300,000 in bribes from the businessmen in exchange for helping them with the state. It sent one note seeking a clarification of law.
The Democratic Cuomo is not accused of wrongdoing.
Defense lawyers say there was no bribery conspiracy. They say their clients were unjustly charged after a lobbyist made up lies to try to escape decades in prison for his crimes.
The trial began five weeks ago. The jury resumes deliberations Friday morning.
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