Jury Selection Begins for Alamo Trial
By: Mario Boone
Updated: July 24, 2009
Jury selection is underway for the trial of jailed evangelist Tony Alamo. Alamo faces a 10-count federal indictment charging he transported minors across state lines for sex. Several jurors were excused from service for various health and work related reasons. Alamo appeared in court frail and emotionless as the judge questioned potential jurors.
In a bombshell decision late Monday afternoon, U. S. District Judge Harry Barnes barred prosecutors from using the words "polygamy" and "compound" during the trial. Criminal defense attorney and KTAL legal analyst Danny Cook says this was done to prevent the jury from being unfairly prejudiced. Cook says he expects this from Judge Barnes given his reputation for fairness.
Defense lawyers say they are confident in their case. Attorney Phillip Kuhn says Alamo is anxios to finally have his day in court. Kuhn also says he thinks his client will have a fair shot in before Judge Barnes. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
In a bombshell decision late Monday afternoon, U. S. District Judge Harry Barnes barred prosecutors from using the words "polygamy" and "compound" during the trial. Criminal defense attorney and KTAL legal analyst Danny Cook says this was done to prevent the jury from being unfairly prejudiced. Cook says he expects this from Judge Barnes given his reputation for fairness.
Defense lawyers say they are confident in their case. Attorney Phillip Kuhn says Alamo is anxios to finally have his day in court. Kuhn also says he thinks his client will have a fair shot in before Judge Barnes. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
