Monday, Nov. 09, 2009  http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/story/901936.html

The jury selection process is underway this morning in Columbus in the federal corruption trial of Columbus attorney Mark Shelnutt, who is accused of aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, witness tampering and attempted bribery.

Walking alone, Shelnutt entered the federal courthouse on 12th Street about 8. He was confident as he spoke to a Ledger-Enquirer reporter.

"We're ready to go," he said.

Shelnutt, who has been practicing in Columbus since December 1988 and has been an assistant district attorney as well as longtime criminal defense lawyer, said he has been in the downtown courthouse many times.

"This is a different feeling," he said.

If convicted of the cocaine distribution charge alone, he faces 10 years to life in prison. The case was brought after numerous federal and local law enforcement agencies investigated Shelnutt's connection to the drug ring led by convicted dealer Torrance Hill, who is currently serving more than 24 years in prison.

"I have represented so many people and been with the families at this point where the adrenaline is pumping," Shelnutt said. "To see it from this side is a different perspective."

Shelnutt is represented by Thomas A. Withers of Savannah and Craig Gillen of Atlanta.

"One of the things that has been different is I have always been a lawyer who tells his client to let us handle the strategy," Shelnutt said. "I'm trying to be a good client."

About 120 prospective jurors began entering the courthouse before 8. Many of them were carrying their jury summons in their hands as they walked up the steps to the three-story building.

By 8:30, Shelnutt and his defense team were seated in the Judge Clay Land's courtroom as prospective jurors were led to their seats. The check-in process was completed about 9:15. Shortly after that jurors were shown a 20-minute film about what was expected of them.

On the tape, Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts told the perspective jurors their "role is vital" is the justice process.

After the tape, jurors were given a bathroom break before Land came into the courtroom. The remainder of the morning will be devoted to trimming the number down to a 12-person jury and four alternates.

Shelnutt has been under a cloud of investigation for a couple of years. He said he welcomed the start of the trial.

"I have been looking forward to this day for years," he said.