El Chapo Trial: Chapo's Date with destiny and verdict watch

Chivis Martinez Borderland Beat

"I have no dog in this fight---" says Judge Cogan beginning his jury instructions---Jury excused to deliberate at 1:05 EST--- Attorney General Whitaker visits courtroom---wishes gov attorneys good luck

Chapo being transferred this morning

The indictment was 17 counts and has been dropped to 10 counts.  Each count however contains multiple violations.

During jury deliberations jurors will determine each individually to conclude guilty or not guilty.

I have been asked to predict the length of deliberations.  I honestly have no sense of how short or long it could be.  It could be as short as a few hours.  But, to conduct a true deliberation that requires each count/violation separately, it should take days.  Could it be today?  Yes.

Below I am posting again the verdict sheets for your perusal, or to cast your ballot and compare to the actual verdict sheets from the jury.

The day will began with Judge Cogan giving instructions to the jury.  A copy of instructions usually accompanies the jury into the deliberation room.  They can ask for clarification, but usually the judge will simply reiterate what is written, because the wording is carefully determined before the final draft, so Cogan must adhere to the wording.

Apparently there was a bit of chaos this morning when late comers attempted to cut into line. Journalists formed a union attempting to keep out the line cutters, to no avail the cutters made it in, when they did they were booed. Myself I think it fair to rotate who were spectators from the press.

You may here the verdict before seeing it on BB.  I am travelling today and tomorrow so may not be able to post it immediately.  I will do my best, besides the verdict will spread  everywhere like a California wild fire 

Keegan’s updates from inside the courtroom:

“Hearing that the defense will ask Judge Cogan to poll the jury before deliberations begin about whether anyone saw news coverage about Chapo allegedly drugging and raping young girls. Could potentially lead to jurors being dismissed. There are six alternates available.”

I don’t see how that is possible, because just asking the question gives them the information.  I think the usual questioning of seeing news stories on any medium would apply

Chapo came out today wearing a black suit, gray shirt, and black time. He was all smiles.  He gave each defense attorney a hug and slap on the back.

As expected, court began with a lengthy sidebar. It was an animated discussion between Judge Cogan, prosecutor Gina Parlovecchio, and Jeffrey Lichtman.

Afterward, Cogan said the transcript would be sealed "to protect the integrity of the deliberations of the jury."

More than likely it was about CW1s rape allegations- 

Yes it was: Rape allegations

The rape allegations against Chapo by Alex Cifuentes:  discussions  is now ordered  ‘sealed’ by Judge Cogan. Yet it was unsealed in the first place by Cogan’s own order last Friday. 

Judge Cogan then had private conversations with jurors about possible exposure to the rape allegations.  This only lasted 10 min. No one was dismissed.

A.G. Whitaker visits Chapo courtroom

From Eastern District New York spokesman: "Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, accompanied by United States Attorney Richard Donoghue, visited the courtroom after the jury departed for lunch and the Acting AG went to the government’s table where he wished the prosecution team good luck."

Use this link for proposed jury instructions

Video: Chapo transported to the courthouse from his Manhattan cell

Chapo just arrived to court shortly after 6 am today, here he is entering the premises in the armored car. pic.twitter.com/o4tQVMjJZQ

— Emily Palmer (@emilyepalmer) February 4, 2019

Verdict Sheets

El Chapo Trial Verdict Shee... by on Scribd