Espada jury tells judge it's deadlocked

The jury in the federal corruption trial of former State Senate majority leader Pedro Espada reported on Wednesday that it is deadlocked, but was ordered to keep trying to reach a verdict.

"We the jurors have determined after eight days of deliberations cannot arrive at a unanimous decision," the panel said in a midafternoon note to U.S. District Judge Frederic Block.

Block called the jurors into court and urged them to continue trying "with a view toward reaching agreement," but said individual jurors were not required to give up their beliefs. The jury deliberated until leaving at 5 p.m. without another note, and is scheduled to resume Thursday.

Espada and his son went on trial in March on charges of looting the nonprofit Soundview health clinic in the Bronx, which he founded. Previous jury notes reported cursing and bullying during deliberations.