Potential jurors questioned in ex-Oklahoma cop’s rape case

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Jury selection is underway for the trial of an ex-Oklahoma City police officer accused of sexually assaulting and victimizing 13 women on his police beat.

Daniel Holtzclaw faces 36 counts of rape, sexual battery and other charges that carry a possible sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutor Gayland Gieger on Monday asked dozens of potential jurors if they could trust someone who has a criminal record or a drug addiction – as many of Holtzclaw’s accusers do. Holtzclaw’s attorney, Scott Adams, said he would examine accusers’ pasts, sometimes with uncomfortable questions.

Holtzclaw kept a blank expression throughout the hearing. After potential jurors left, he stood in a corner of the courtroom and wept before a sheriff’s deputy led him away.

A jury will likely be seated Tuesday.