Jurors Selected for Rep. Traficant Trial

Twelve jurors and six alternates were selected in Cleveland in the bribery trial of U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. After the jury was seated, Traficant asked U.S. District Court Judge Lesley Wells to dismiss the indictment against him because the jury pool was from the Cleveland area and not Youngstown, the city he represents. The judge took no action. Traficant, who is not a lawyer but is defending himself, said he would renew his complaint before opening statements, which were expected today.

Traficant, 60, has been accused of accepting gifts and favors in exchange for using his political influence, forcing his staff to make cash kickbacks or do favors for him, tax falsification and racketeering.