Watch CBS News

Jury Seated In Westmoreland Co. Sheriff's Corruption Case

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- A jury has been seated in the public corruption trial of the two-term Westmoreland County sheriff.

It consists of eight men and four women.

Opening statements from the defense and prosecution will be the first order of business Tuesday morning at the County Courthouse in Greensburg in the trial of 44-year old Sheriff Jonathan Held of Hempfield Township.

westmoreland-county-sheriff-jonathan-held
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Held is being prosecuted by the State Attorney General's office, which accuses him of ordering several of his deputies to work on his re-election campaign in 2014 and 2015.

At a preliminary hearing earlier this year, a retired sheriff's deputy testified he got food donations and gift donations while working. He testified he picked up guns donated as prizes and the majority of the work was done while he was in uniform, using a county sheriff's car. He claimed to have spent four hours at a time on the county clock, doing campaign fundraising work three times a week.

KDKA's Meghan Schiller Reports:

 

Another witness, a sheriff's sergeant, said he and others were asked to solicit donations for campaign fundraising events.

Since the felony charges were filed in February, Held has repeatedly denied allegations of wrongdoing.

Held has been free on bond since the charges were filed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.