Jury wonders about 'usurious' in Chicago mob trial
The Associated Press
1:50 PM CDT, September 5, 2007


A federal court jury considering the biggest Chicago mob trial in years wanted a dictionary today to look up the definition of usurious.

The word is usually used in connection with lending money at exorbitant interest rates.

When the jury asked for a dictionary, federal Judge James Zagel asked them instead what words they wanted defined.

The jury responded with a note saying they found an explanation of usurious in the criminal indictment.

In the indictment, the Chicago Outfit is accused of making loans to individuals at "usurious rates of interest" constituting "extortionate extensions of credit."

The five defendants are accused of engaging in a racketeering conspiracy included 18 murders dating back to 1970, illegal gambling, loan sharking and extortion.

I came, I saw, I had no idea what was going on, I left.