Corrine Brown trial: Prosecution opposes Brown's motion for new trial

The United States filed a memorandum Thursday night, opposing former Rep. Corrine Brown's motion for a new trial.

During Brown's original federal fraud trial, Juror No. 13 was dismissed after he made comments during deliberations about the Holy Spirit telling him Brown was not guilty.

The judge viewed the Holy Spirit as an “external force” influencing the juror’s decision making and Juror No. 13 was dismissed and replaced.

Brown’s attorney argues there’s a “substantial possibility the Holy Spirit was actually the juror’s own mind or spirit” and comments made about the Holy Spirit weren’t interfering with deliberations.

In its motion Thursday night, the United States said "the Court was well within its discretion to remove Juror No. 13 based on a finding that there was no substantial possibility that the juror could render a verdict solely on the facts and law, and none of the defendant's arguments to the contrary establishes that there has been a 'miscarriage of justice' warranting a new trial under Rule 33."

"For the foregoing reasons, the Court should deny the defendant's motion for a new trial," the motion said in closing.

Earlier Thursday, the U.S. filed a motion opposing Brown's motion for acquittal.

That motion said Brown participated in a three-year scheme to siphon cash from the bogus charity One Door For Education.

In her original federal fraud trial, Brown was found guilty of 18 counts and not guilty of four counts May 11. On June 9, Brown's lawyers filed a motion for acquittal and a motion for a new trial.

Cox Media Group