Jury Selection Begins For Army General In Sex Case

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — Jury selection has started at Fort Bragg for a U.S. Army general facing court-martial on sexual assault charges.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges including forcible sodomy, indecent acts, violating orders and adultery.

A dozen potential jurors were brought in for questioning Tuesday. All are major generals or lieutenant generals. At least five will be chosen for the trial set for Sept. 30.

All said they had heard about the case.

Defense attorneys question if it's possible to select jurors who would not worry about career ramifications if they voted to acquit Sinclair.

The 27-year Army veteran has commanded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is accused of forcing a female aide with whom he had an extramarital affair to perform oral sex.