IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A judge is refusing to order a new trial after receiving an anonymous letter claiming a juror was bribed to favor the University of Iowa in a medical malpractice case.
Judge Chad Kepros ruled Tuesday he believes the letter was likely a hoax written by an upset juror but he can’t rule out other possibilities.
He says a two-year investigation turned up no evidence any bribe was offered, and overturning the verdict would be “contrary to the fair administration of justice.”
Jurors ruled 7-1 that UI Hospitals and Clinics was negligent in treating a Tama mother during delivery but rejected the family’s claim that her daughter’s severe brain injuries could have been prevented.
Kepros received a letter purporting to be from a juror who claimed a man handed him an envelope containing $5,000 and urged him to side with defendants. The dissenting juror is considered the prime suspect.