The trial of two former Jacksonville City Council members on federal fraud charges began Wednesday with jury selection.
Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown face dozens of counts stemming from loans taken out by Katrina Brown's family barbecue sauce business. Prosecutors claim the two diverted some of nearly $3 million in government money for their personal use.
Entering the courtroom, Reggie Brown said he was feeling confident, according to WJCT News partner News4Jax.
"Absolutely. Since Day 1," he said.
The proceedings began nearly 45 minutes late as Katrina Brown was not in court at 9 a.m., saying as she arrived that she had an emergency. Katrina Brown sought and received permission to represent herself.
A pool of 65 potential jurors will be questioned by court officials about what they know or don't know about the defendants. They hope to seat a jury of 12 people and four alternates by Friday.
The case has seen numerous legal twists and turns. For that part of the story along with a video report, see the expanded version at News4Jax.com.
