Jury reaches verdict, to announce it soon in extortion case involving basketball coach Pitino

Jury to announce verdict in Pitino extortion case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A jury deliberating the case of a Kentucky woman accused of demanding millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep quiet about their sexual tryst has reached a verdict.

The jury is expected to announce its decision soon.

Karen Cunagin Sypher has pleaded not guilty to extortion and other charges. The 50-year-old woman could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted, though under sentencing guidelines she would likely receive a lighter punishment.

A panel of six men and six women started deliberations Wednesday afternoon and resumed at 9:30 a.m. EDT Thursday.

Sypher did not testify in her own defense, and her attorneys rested their case without calling any witnesses. They have blamed the extortion plot on her ex-husband.