Montgomery, AL (WIAT) - Day two of the federal corruption trial has begun in Montgomery, and we are still in the jury selection phase. Today attorneys got the second group of 30 people to question. They asked them if they knew any of the witnesses, attorneys, or defendants. They asked if they could be un-biased and impartial. The attorneys say it is going to be a long process of finding 12 jurors and 4 alternates, because the defendants are so high profile. Many people in Alabama also have strong opinions for or against bingo and gambling, and finding someone that can put all those beliefs and acquaintances aside is difficult. Jim Parkman, Senator Harri Anne Smith's attorney says with 30 attorneys for the 9 defendants all working in one courtroom it makes their job hard.
“There are so many other people in there, so much evidence you are dealing with. It’s hard to get any continuity going in the case you can’t get what I like to call your mojo going in the courtroom, because you got to sit down and wait and let somebody else defendant have their turn. That makes it very difficult you get lost in all the evidence, and who it pertains to so it’s difficult", says Parkman.
Jury selection is expected to continue tomorrow, with opening statements in the case beginning by the end of the day Wednesday or first thing Thursday morning. Make sure you stay tuned to CBS 42 news at five, six and ten for the latest.
