Sides present cases as trial of former FBI official opens
ABERDEEN – Hal Neilson’s freedom and his nearly 20 years with the FBI are on the line in federal court.
A five-count indictment accuses Neilson, 49, of Oxford of lying about his financial interests in a building that houses the FBI. He has pleaded not guilty.
“When you look at those 20 years of commendations, I think you’ll see that’s how he was operating,” said his attorney, Christi R. McCoy, in the defense’s opening statements late Monday. “There never was an intent to deceive.”
The trial began with jury selection until almost 4 p.m. Seven men and seven women will sit in judgment, two as alternates, for the proceedings that could last two weeks.
Read more: NEMS360.com – Sides present cases as trial of former FBI official opens
11/9/10
Magnolia Tribune
