Jury Picks, Opening on Tap in Fraud Trial of Former Pennsylvania Judge

Jury selection is expected to wrap up in the federal fraud trial of a retired Pennsylvania appellate judge in Pittsburgh.

Retired Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce is charged with mail fraud and money laundering because federal prosecutors say he faked or exaggerated neck and back injuries following a 2001 fender bender to collect $440,000 in insurance claims.

Sixty-seven potential jurors will be screened Tuesday based on a 19-page questionnaire they filled out Monday to probe for any potential biases they may have. Once 12 jurors and four alternates are picked, attorneys for both sides will make opening statements in what jurors have been told to expect will be a monthlong trial.

Joyce faces prison and fines if convicted, and potentially the loss of his pension.

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Information from: Erie Times-News