The search for jurors in the federal obstruction trial against former Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota and his top aide Christopher McPartland has begun.
Spota and McPartland will stand trial next week for allegedly trying to cover up former Suffolk Police Chief James Burke’s beating of a man who stole from his SUV.
Hundreds of potential jurors are being screened for any conflicts of interest, including associations with prominent local politicians, police officers, police union officials and Spota’s former staff.
They were also asked about their views on mental illness and alcohol abuse.
A spokesman for the Eastern District Court of New York declined to comment on the case. Spota’s lawyer wasn’t available for comment. McPartland’s lawyer didn’t want to comment.
Both Spota and McPartland have pleaded not guilty.