SPRINGFIELD — After days of jury deliberations, a federal judge called a mistrial in a fraud case after the panel twice reported it had deadlocked.
U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni made the call after nearly six days of deliberations, which followed the jury foreperson bowing out after five days and an alternate stepping in.
Steven Hayes Jr. is among several Chicago-based defendants accused in a scheme to turn stolen credit card information into a golden lifestyle for up-and-coming rap artists, their managers and promoters.
Hayes is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and aiding and abetting.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Led by an experienced fraudster, the scheme netted the group stolen commercial flights, Caribbean vacations, limousine and car services, private flights and $9,500 designer puppies, authorities said.
The pups were delivered in their own limousine, according to prosecutors.
Hayes and two co-defendants were intercepted by U.S. Secret Service agents while trying to board a $27,000 private flight in Chicago, testimony showed. The flight also was booked with stolen credit card information, authorities said.
An attorney for Hayes argued to jurors her client was duped by sophisticated fraudsters, and knew nothing of the scheme.
It is yet unclear whether the U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue a second trial.
