Rezko jury takes another half day off from deliberations

Jurors weighing the fate of political insider Antoin "Tony" Rezko took another half day Tuesday, but plan to stay late Wednesday and Thursday "to help conclude our decision."

A note requesting the half day off from deliberations came last week, but wasn't revealed to the public until Tuesday when jurors returned following the Memorial Day weekend.

The request was made by a juror who had a job interview to attend. A juror also requested a half day last week for a family emergency.

The panel will stay at the federal courthouse on Wednesday and Thursday until about 6 p.m., an hour and a half later than normal, the note said. The panel of 10 women and two men has deliberated about seven days so far on 24 criminal counts following the two-month trial.

Prosecutors accuse Rezko of using his significant clout with Gov. Rod Blagojevich to extort millions of dollars from state contractors. Defense attorneys say Rezko was framed.