Potential Casey Anthony juror gets fined for speaking to reporter...and dismissed
(CBS/WTSP/AP) CLEARWATER, Fla. - Jonathan Green, a 35-year-old Publix employee and potential juror in the Casey Anthony murder trial, approached a member of the media during Wednesday's lunch recess and began discussing the case in order to get out of jury duty.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. found Green in contempt of court and fined him $450. He said he would not jail Green, but told him to pay $50 a month until the fine was settled, reports CBS affiliate WTSP.
"Well, at least I got out of jury duty,"Green said laughing when he was told to pay the fine.
A new batch of potential jurors was brought into the courtroom Wednesday after roughly 50 jury prospects were dismissed Tuesday when one potential witness in the case, who also happened to be called for jury duty, began talking with others in the grand jury room.
Jury selection is taking place outside of Orlando in the Tampa area because of intense media coverage near where the alleged murder of 2-year old Caylee Anthony occurred.
Casey Anthony, 25, could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in her daughter's 2008 death. She is also charged with aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child and providing false information to law enforcement. She has pleaded not guilty and maintains a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."