OTTAWA — Jury selection began this morning and testimony started this afternoon in Franklin County District Court in the trial of Arizona prison inmate Ralph Corey. Corey faces charges of kidnapping, attempted rape and aggravated sexual battery. He is charged in connection with an incident that happened 12 years ago. A then 16-year-old Williamsburg girl was kidnapped from the Wal-Mart SuperCenter parking and taken to the parking lots in Orscheln’s and Country Mart where she held off attempts to rape her. One potential juror provoked some mirth with his excuse to get out of jury duty. He told Judge Eric Godderz that he was turning 60 on Saturday and his friends were planning huge parties for him. He told Godderz that he couldn’t guarantee he would show up for court sober. He was excused. A jury of seven men and six women were impaneled. In opening testimony, Corey’s attorney John Boyd challenged the testimony of another woman, who testified that on the same night, that Corey attempted to force his way into her car before he kidnapped the other teen.
Tuesday, June 19, 4 p.m.
