Judge Denies Motion for New Trial in Case that Ended in Defense Verdict

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- A judge who had indicated his intent to interview jurors accused of wrongfully engaging in phone and e-mail conversations has ultimately determined that the alleged interaction did not influence their decision to reach a defense verdict in a welding fume trial, sources told HarrisMartin. Haskell v. BOC Group, et al., No. 04-L-1152 (Ill. 3rd Jud. Ct., Madison Cty.).

Judge Daniel Stack of Illinois' Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County reached the decision on June 5, sources said.

In February, Judge Stack entered an order saying he would interview the two jurors and then make a decision …