Boyland jury adds alternate, begins deliberations again

Jurors in the federal political corruption case of Democratic Assemb. William Boyland will have to begin their deliberations all over again Thursday after one member of the panel had to be excused because of vacation plans.

The jury had already deliberated for a full day Wednesday when it became clear that there wouldn't be a verdict, a situation that necessitated replacement of a male juror who had previously disclosed his travel plans to the court.

Brooklyn federal district Judge Sandra Townes replaced the juror with a female alternate. She then told the newly constituted jury panel that they had to start deliberations anew because the alternate had not been part of the previous discussions.

Boyland, 43, who represents a district that includes Brownsville, is on trial on charges he took bribes from undercover FBI agents posing a businessmen, as well as other offenses.