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NY v. Trump: Juror's Pre-Verdict Discussion Allegedly Revealed Through Facebook Post

 June 8, 2024

An unsettling revelation involving a juror allegedly discussing the verdict prematurely has emerged from former President Donald Trump's recent New York criminal trial.

A Facebook comment suggesting that a juror had revealed the outcome of Donald Trump's trial prematurely has cast a shadow over the trial proceedings and could potentially lead to a mistrial declaration, as Fox News reports.

Juror Misconduct Allegation Surfaces

The heart of the controversy is a Facebook comment dated May 29, brought to light just as the trial was concluding. Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the trial, was alerted to this potentially prejudicial information, raising concerns about juror impartiality. The comment was discovered on a page not directly related to the trial proceedings.

According to the disclosed details, the user identified as "Michael Anderson" made a statement about his cousin, allegedly a juror, claiming a conviction was imminent.

The post, infused with a tone of certainty about the trial's outcome, read, "My cousin is a juror and says Trump is getting convicted! Thank you folks for all your hard work!!!!"

This alarming post prompted immediate action from Judge Merchan, who took the step of notifying both Trump's defense team and the Manhattan prosecutors involved in the case. The urgency of the matter reflected the serious implications such a claim could have on the trial's integrity.

Authorities Respond to Potential Juror Misconduct

Following the discovery of the Facebook post, a letter from Judge Merchan to the involved parties highlighted the issue. He aimed to ensure that both the defense and prosecution were equally informed, allowing them to address the potential breach of conduct appropriately.

"Today, the Court became aware of a comment that was posted on the Unified Court System's public Facebook page and which I now bring to your attention," Judge Merchan wrote.

The state's Office of Court Administration, represented by spokesperson Al Baker, confirmed that the court acted swiftly upon learning of the post.

Baker emphasized, "As appropriate, the Court informed the parties once it learned of this online content," underlining the judiciary's commitment to maintaining fair trial standards.

Meanwhile, Trump's campaign has responded by investigating the claim. An official told Fox News Digital, "Investigating the matter," indicating ongoing efforts to ascertain the full extent of the potential juror misconduct.

Verdict Delivered Amid Controversy

The trial, which spanned six weeks, culminated in a verdict where former President Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

This verdict was delivered just a day after the contentious Facebook post came to light, a timing that only added to the controversy surrounding the juror's alleged premature discussion of the outcome.

The charges, initiated by Manhattan District Official Alvin Bragg, had drawn significant attention due to their severity and high-profile nature. The trial's proceedings were closely watched, both locally and nationally, reflecting the wide-reaching implications of the case against a former president.

The revelation of the Facebook post thus casts a shadow over the proceedings, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the verdict delivered. This development could potentially open avenues for appeal or further legal challenges, considering the gravity of the juror's alleged misconduct.

Conclusion: Integrity of Trial Questioned

In conclusion, the disclosure of a juror potentially discussing the trial's outcome before its official conclusion has introduced significant controversy into what was already a highly scrutinized trial.

The quick response by the judiciary and the ongoing investigations reflect the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

As the legal community and the public alike await further developments, the impact of this revelation on the trial's verdict remains a focal point of intense debate and scrutiny.