Riddle jurors go home for the day

Paul Egan / The Detroit News

Detroit -- Jurors have gone home after the second day of deliberations in the corruption trial of political consultant Sam Riddle.

Jurors, who went home about 3 p.m., deliberated for close to six hours today after deliberating a little more than two hours on Monday.

They were asked to return to the courthouse at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to resume deliberations.

Riddle made overnight Internet postings that voiced unhappiness with his legal representation.

"When your fate is in the hand of others, man, that is not a good feeling," Riddle posted on the social networking site Twitter. "Especially when those that are to define you simply don't."

On Facebook, Riddle said: "I never understood the true depth that ineffective counsel could achieve. The 6th Amendment screams for justice."

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution sets out the rights of defendants in criminal prosecutions.

Riddle, 63, has pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment that accused him of conspiracy, extortion, and lying to the FBI. Prosecutors allege he teamed up with former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers to shake down businesses with matters before the Detroit City Council or the General Retirement System, where Conyers sat as a trustee.

Riddle, who served as chief of staff to Conyers in 2006 and 2007, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

"The Twitter speaks for itself," Riddle said at the courthouse this morning when asked to elaborate on his postings.

In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors described Riddle as "a political pimp," while defense attorney Edward Wishnow said Riddle was a part-time employee of Conyers who had legitimate consulting deals on the side.

Wishnow declined comment.

"I really don't have anything to say -- not even a 'no comment,' " said Ann Arbor attorney John Minock, who represented Riddle along with Wishnow.

pegan@detnews.com (313) 222-2069