Columbus, Ga. jury deciding lawyer's case

Associated Press - November 18, 2009 11:34 AM ET

COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) - The jury in the federal drug and money-laundering case against Columbus attorney Mark Shelnutt has resumed deliberations, while the judge declined to grant a defense motion for a mistrial.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that defense lawyers asked U.S. District Court Judge Clay Land to grant a mistrial Wednesday on grounds that the prosecution intentionally misled the jury during closing arguments.

Shelnutt faces 36 counts of money laundering, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, making false statements to federal agents and attempted bribery. Jury deliberations began on Tuesday and resumed Wednesday morning.

In closing arguments, prosecutor David Stewart said Shelnutt went from attorney to advocate in the Torrance "Bookie" Hill drug organization.

Defense attorney Tom Withers said the government's case has been falling apart since the trial began.

Information from: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, http://www.ledger-enquirer.com