The jury was out for so long and that is usually a good sign for the defense.

I'm surprised. This is probably the first time that the defense of 'I didn't know' denials has worked for a former chairman or CEO. This may be the first time that the Sergeant Schultz defense has worked.

It is rare for appeals courts to reverse criminal convictions. The prime exception would be on technical legal grounds and that doesn't appear to be present in (Stewart's) case.