ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Barry Carpenter's fate remains in the hands of a jury, as jurors failed to decide Friday whether the suspended Martins Ferry police chief is guilty of burglarizing a local woman's home in hopes of profiting from her connection to Hollywood celebrities.
After deliberating for more than five and a half hours, the jury was dismissed and court recessed for the weekend.
The 12 jury members are expected to return to the Belmont County Courthouse at 9 a.m. Monday to resume deliberations.
Before releasing the jurors, Judge John Solovan told them to refrain from reading about or hearing any details of the case.
"I am sure you can appreciate there will be information outside the courtroom on this case," he said to the four-man, eight-woman panel. "You must avoid the information for the next two days. I know it is very hard to do."
Carpenter is accused of conspiring to obtain and sell items identifying Michelle Ross of Martins Ferry as the surrogate mother for twin daughters of actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Ross gave birth to the girls in June.
The surrogate testified earlier in the week that someone entered her home and took various items, including records pertaining to the identity of Parker and Broderick as well as another couple she had a child for. She said the experience left her afraid to be in her own home, so the surrogacy agency provided alternative housing for her until just recently, when she returned to the home.
Several others testified in the case including Belmont County Prosecutor Chris Berhalter, who had stepped aside from the case due to a conflict of interest.
Throughout the investigation and trial, Carpenter has maintained his innocence - even refusing a plea agreement offered by the state.
Special Prosecutor Shawn Hervey is prosecuting the case for the state along with special Assistant Prosecutor Emily Laube.
Columbus-based attorney Dennis McNamara is serving as defense counsel.