Jurors continue deliberations in trial of woman accused of trying to extort coach Pitino

Jury returns to debate Pitino extortion case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The fate of a Kentucky woman accused of demanding millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep quiet about their sexual tryst will be back in the hands of a jury for a second day of deliberations.

Jurors are set to return to the federal courthouse in Louisville at 9:30 a.m. Thursday to resume weighing the case against Karen Cunagin Sypher. A panel of six men and six women conferred for about an hour and 45 minutes Wednesday before calling it a day.

Sypher has pleaded not guilty to extortion and other charges. She did not testify in her own defense, and her attorneys rested their case without calling any witnesses. If convicted, Sypher could face up to 26 years in prison, although that sentence is not likely.