Jury Selection Begins in MN Prosecutor Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A jury has been selected in the trial of a northern Minnesota prosecutor accused of sexual misconduct involving a teenage girl.

The trial for Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell began Monday in St. Louis County Court. Scannell is charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger, who was appointed to review the case, says jury selection was completed, and opening statements will take place Tuesday.

The girl's family sought a restraining order against Scannell in late 2012. The parents said in their petition that Scannell was a longtime family friend.

The Cook County Attorney's office told

Scannell is still on medical leave. Scannell and some of his family members were in the courtroom.