Florida Jury Deadlocked in Venezuelan Suitcase Scandal Trial

A Florida jury said it's deadlocked in the case of a Venezuelan businessman accused of helping his government cover up the source of a suitcase containing $800,000 that sparked an Argentine election scandal. ``We cannot reach a unanimous verdict,'' jurors said in a note today at 3:59 p.m. local time sent to U.S. District Judge Joan Lenard in Miami federal court. The jurors have deliberated for 3 1/2 days following a seven-week trial. Lenard said she would send the panel home and have them return tomorrow. The case is U.S. v. Maionica, 07-cr-20999, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami).