Jury Seated for Central City Priest's Sex Abuse Trial; Opening Statements Expected

By David Hurst
The Tribune-Democrat
September 9, 2015

http://www.tribdem.com/news/maurizio-sex-abuse-trial-jury-selection-extends-into-third-day/article_c82725e0-5749-11e5-8bf7-3b2037e5d770.html

Todd Berkey/The Tribune-democrat

A jury is in place to begin trial for a Central City priest, accused of luring Honduran orphans for sex.

The 12-member panel – seven men and five women – was seated just after 11 a.m. Thursday in U.S. District Court in downtown Johnstown.

In an hourlong list exchange Thursday morning, attorneys from both sides of the case used allocated "strikes" to eliminate potential jurors seen as unfavorable to their case.

Thursday's selection was more than two days in the making. But it will allow what is expected to be three weeks of trial to move forward.

The Rev. Joseph Maurizio Jr., 70, is charged with four counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places, three counts of transferring funds into or from the U.S. to support unlawful acts and one count of child porn possession.

Prosecutors have described the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese priest as a habitual offender who traveled to Honduras to prey on street orphans.

Maurizio has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney, Steven Passarello, has said the priest is being framed by a Honduran charity that his mission cut ties with.

Judge Kim R. Gibson will deliver opening instructions to the jury panel Thursday afternoon, following a lunch break.

Afterward, attorneys will have the opportunity to make opening statements to jurors about what they hope to show during testimony.