Opening statements in the corruption trial of suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis could begin early next week, Judge Courtney Johnson told prosecutors and defense attorneys on Tuesday.
Johnson set the timetable for opening arguments to begin next Tuesday as the second day of jury selection came to an end. And if things continue to go smoothly, the first in a series of witnesses also could be called that day.
So far, 34 prospective jurors have been qualified, just eight shy of the 42 needed before the panel of 12, plus alternates, can be picked.
Last fall, a mistrial was declared in Ellis’ case after a jury couldn’t agree on verdicts. Though publicity around first trial has been an issue in the questioning of prospective jurors, the judge expected a jury to be seated Friday morning. So far, about 45 people have been excused.
Almost all were released from jury duty because it would be a hardship for them to sit through a trial that could last as long as six weeks. Some said they would lose money if they did not work. Others had problems arranging child care.
One had been convicted of a felony and prosecutors found there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
“He wasn’t forthcoming about the status of those charges,” Johnson said. “If he does show up on Friday, he won’t be available to participate in jury selection.”
District Attorney Robert James said he most likely will be arrested when he comes to the courthouse.
Ellis is accused in a nine-count indictment of using his power as DeKalb’s leader to extort campaign contributions from county contractors. Ellis has said he never punished contractors who refused to donate, but that he was angry that they did not return his phone calls.
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