Denver man accused of trying to influence jurors

Denver authorities are searching for a second man accused of trying to influence jurors by setting up a stand outside the courthouse to hand out literature on jury nullification. Eric Brandt, 43, is charged with seven counts of jury tampering, according to the Denver district attorney’s office. Eric Brandt Brandt

and Mark Iannicelli, 56, manned a small booth with a “Juror Info” sign outside the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse on July 27, according to Brandt’s arrest affidavit.

They allegedly asked people if they were reporting for jury duty and handed one of three fliers to those who said they were. One was titled, “All You Need to Know About Jury Nullification,” the affidavit said.

In a waiting room for potential jurors, 18 people reported being given the fliers. Jurors sitting on the Dexter Lewis death penalty case may have received the literature, the affidavit said.

Denver district attorney’s staffers reviewed the literature and determined it violated state law regarding jury tampering.

Jury nullification happens when a jury refuses to convict despite the evidence -to send a social message or because the case offends their moral sensibilities.

Iannicelli is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

Brandt is considered “at large” by the district attorney and Denver police. He is a familiar figure downtown because he is known to carry a large sign with a profane message for police.

In 2014, Brandt filed a federal lawsuit against Westminster after he was removed from a City Council meeting and arrested after speaking about police brutality.