CHESTERFIELD, S.C. (AP) - Jury selection has started in the trial of Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker.
It was a slow process Monday to pick out the 12 impartial jurors needed because Parker grew up in the area and worked in law enforcement all his life. The jury pool had more than 100 people in it.
Prosecutors and Parker’s defense attorney plan for opening statements Tuesday.
Authorities say Parker gave away guns without filing the proper paperwork, allowed people to act as deputies without proper training and allowed inmates too many perks.
Parker’s lawyer says his actions weren’t criminal and he is being singled out by overzealous prosecutors.
Parker was Chesterfield County Sheriff from 2003 until he was indicted in March 2013. He plans to ask for his job back if he is acquitted.
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