Jury selection begins in Duhon's aggravated rape trial
Last Modified: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 6:58 PM
By Taylor Prejean / American Press
Jury selection began Tuesday in the aggravated rape trial of 33-year-old Brandon Keith Duhon, who reportedly had sexual contact with an 8-year-old boy between May 1, 2011, and June 8, 2011.
Duhon initially agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge, but opted for a jury trial in the middle of his plea-change hearing Tuesday.
Defense attorney King Alexander said Duhon wanted to enter an Alford plea — pleading guilty without admitting involvement in a crime — to one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
When Judge Mike Canaday asked Duhon if he wished to enter the plea, he said he was unsure. “It just makes me feel like I’m giving up,” Duhon said. “I did not touch that little boy.”
Canaday told Duhon that the decision to enter the plea was entirely his and that he is entitled to have a 12-person jury hear his case. After a brief exchange with the judge, Duhon said, “I’m going to take my chances and see what they (jurors) say.”
Prosecutor Cynthia Guillory said that since he opted to go to trial, she will pursue the aggravated rape as originally charged in the indictment. The attorneys began the jury selection process Tuesday afternoon, and opening statements are expected to begin today.
If convicted of aggravated rape, Duhon faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Posted By: Shelly On: 6/22/2012
Title: Dont need to think.
I Believe if your not guily, you should never take a plea. Because he thought about it is a admission if guilt in my eyes.
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