CONCORD, N.H.- A judge says he sees no problem that a member of the jury reached out to a lawyer representing Kristy Gesse, hours after she was awarded millions in her suit against the state over abuse she endured at a group home back in the 1990s.

The news comes after Gesse’s attorney Nathan Warecki asked for an emergency hearing to discuss a voicemail he received from the foreperson in his client’s trial, hours after the jurors ruled in favor of Gesse, awarding her $16 million with the state responsible for only $4 million.

As the woman who left the voicemail told Warecki that she “would just like to tell you what happened today so you have it for your future refence.” which led to Warecki asking to recall jurors. However, Judge John Kissingers rejected the request after listening to the voicemail multiple times and noted that there was nothing in the voicemail that was cause for concern.

Kissinger went on to encourage Warecki to reach out to the woman in this instance, even though lawyers are usually barred from doing so within 30 days of a court verdict. Kissinger even went as far as to say it would be appropriate because the foreperson reached out first.