Jury selection for former Rep. Corrine Brown's trial begins in Jacksonville

Action News Jax reporter Jenna Bourne is inside the courtroom during jury selection. Follow @JennaANjax for updates during breaks and watch CBS47 at 5 for a full report.

Jury selection for former Rep. Corrine Brown's trial began Monday morning in Jacksonville.

Several jurors told the judge they were not sure they could be unbiased based on what they've seen on the news and their knowledge of the case.

The first potential juror questioned by the judge said he saw on Action News Jax about the fundraising and that Brown faces life in prison, but had not formed an opinion about whether she was guilty.

One potential juror said based on what he’d seen on the news, he would lean toward a guilty verdict. He said he did not believe he could put his opinion out of his mind and only consider the evidence presented in the courtroom.

“I just have negative feelings toward Ms. Brown in general,” the potential juror said.

The judge struck him as potential juror.

Another potential juror said she thinks Brown is guilty based on Simmons already pleading guilty and her daughter saying she would plead the Fifth. The judge struck her as potential juror.

Another potential juror said, based on what he’s seen on the news, he’s not sure if he can be unbiased. Taking money given to Brown and taking it personally instead of giving it to students.

A potential juror told the judge he watched Action News Jax this morning before going in for jury duty and has formed an opinion in the case based on what he’s seen on the news, on social media and in discussions with friends. The judge struck him as potential juror.

Another potential juror said he watches the news every night but does not have an opinion about Brown’s guilt or innocence.

One potential juror, who says he believes she is guilty, did not know much about the case but remembered Brown handing out ice cream to supporters earlier this month.

“I think if Corrine Brown had been a Republican, she would not be in this court today,” said one potential juror. “I will always support Corrine Brown.” “I respect Congresswoman Corrine Brown for everything she’s done for Jacksonville.”

Brown faces 22 federal indictments related to the government’s claim that she used a fake charity, One Door for Education, as a personal slush fund.

The juror pool size was increased from 39 to 65.

The judge is asking potential jurors if they have supported or opposed Brown politically in the past or heard about Brown's federal charges in the media.

They will also be asked if they know Brown, her attorneys or any of the witnesses in the case.

Brown's charges include:

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud

Seven counts of aiding and abetting mail fraud

Nine counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud

Engaging in a scheme to conceal material facts

Corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws

Three counts of filing a false U.S. individual tax return

The judge presiding over Brown's federal fraud case denied her daughter's motion to be exempted from having to testify in her mother's case.

Cox Media Group