Opening statements from the prosecution and defense will begin Thursday in the federal corruption trial of ex-DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni.
Ex-DEA agent accused of corruption and a 'little dark secret' gets his day in court
Jury selection started Monday and concluded early Wednesday afternoon with the selection of 12 jurors and six alternates.
Some 200 prospective jurors filled out questionnaires at home and mailed back the responses, so some were excused from their civic duty based on their responses before making the trek to the downtown federal courthouse. Most were quizzed in a courtroom over two and half days about their ability to be fair and impartial and whether they recognized the names of any prospective witnesses.
The jury selection process was open to the public.
Bongiovanni, 59, faces 15 charges, including two bribery counts alleging that he accepted at least $250,000 from drug dealers whom he thought were associated with Italian organized crime and shielded them from arrest, as well as provided them with information about investigations and cooperating sources.
"Being a juror is a tremendous, important and solemn responsibility," U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo told the prospective jurors. "I am grateful for all of you."
– Patrick Lakamp
