NEWARK -- The jury in the trial of Sen. Robert Menendez told the judge Monday afternoon that it was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict.

U.S. District Judge William Walls sent them home early and told them to try again on Tuesday.

"Go home and have a good meal and have a good sleep," Walls told the jury.

The jury foreman had sent the judge a note around 2 p.m. saying the group could not reach a verdict on any of the counts.

"Is there any additional guidance and what do we do now?" the foreman asked the judge in his note.

The note was sent out just hours after an alternate juror joined the group to replace one who was excused last Thursday for vacation. That departing juror, Evelyn Arroyo-Maultsby, told reporters that jurors couldn't agree on a verdict on any of the bribery counts against the New Jersey Democrat or his co-defendant, Salomon Melgen.

On Monday afternoon, defense attorneys began filing into the courtroom shortly after 2 p.m., followed close behind by the prosecution team and later by Menendez and his son and daughter.

Before Walls called jurors into the courtroom, the judge heard from attorneys from both the prosecution and the defense.

Judge told jurors in #SenRobertMenendez trial 'Go home get a breath of fresh air or rain or whatever it may be doing out there.' — MaryAnn Spoto (@MaryAnnSpoto) November 13, 2017

Menendez's attorney argued for the judge to declare an immediate mistrial. Prosecutors argued the jury had only begun its deliberations anew three hours earlier when an alternate juror was put on the panel and needed more time to deliberate.

"I think it would be appropriate that they continue their deliberations," Walls said.

Prosecutor said they've only been deliberating since 11a.m. as a new jury, so let them continue. Defense said 11 of them have been deliberating since last week so should be a mistrial. — MaryAnn Spoto (@MaryAnnSpoto) November 13, 2017

It was an abrupt ending to a day that began in controversy after seven jurors admitted seeing the explosive news coverage last week of Arroyo-Maultsby, who said she believed the New Jersey Democrat had done nothing wrong.

In comments widely reported last week, Arroyo-Maultsby, 61, of Hillside, said the government had not made its case against Menendez, and claimed that three others on the panel agreed with her.

The jury resumed deliberations earlier Monday with an alternate juror, following the dismissal of Arroyo-Maultsby.

The judge indicated he was not concerned about the public remarks, and ordered the jury to begin deliberations anew shortly before lunchtime.

Outside the courthouse, Menendez addressed a gaggle of reporters, giving thanks to the jurors for their service, especially to those who he said "clearly" believe in his innocence.

"I would hope that at the end of the day, after they finish tomorrow, that those who continue to believe in my innocence will stand strong. And, at the end of the day, no juror will be coerced into a decision."

The senator declined to comment further, and hurried into a car waiting for him at the end of the crowded press line.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached by email at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty.

MaryAnn Spoto may be reached by email at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto.