A jury returned a mixed bag of verdicts Wednesday in the trial of six ex-Bell City Council members accused of misappropriating public funds -- finding five of the defendants guilty on some charges but clearing them of others, and acquitting another entirely.

Ex-Mayor Oscar Hernandez, Teresa Jacobo and George Mirabal were each found guilty of five counts of misappropriation of funds relating to the Solid Waste and Recycling Authority between Jan. 1, 2006, and July 26, 2010.

George Cole and Victor Bello also were found guilty of misappropriation of funds from the same department: Cole of two counts between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2007; and Bello of four counts between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2009.

CHEAT SHEET: Bell corruption verdicts

But each of those five ex-council members were found not guilty for the same counts related to the Public Finance Authority during the same time periods.

Luis Artiga, whose verdict was read last, wiped away tears as he was acquitted of each of the charges he faced.

"I want to thank God," the pastor said afterward. "I want to thank my family. I said from the beginning the truth will set me free."

FULL COVERAGE: Bell corruption trial

But despite a four-week trial and 18 days of deliberations, the jury remained undecided on about half of the counts, allegations related to the Community Housing and Surplus Property authorities. The jury told the judge it was 9-3 on the remaining counts, but did not indicate whether they were leaning toward guilty or not guilty.