Jury Selection Starts In Ashland Slave Labor Case

Jury selection has begun in the northeast Ohio trial of two people charged with enslaving a mentally disabled woman for two years with her child. The trial of 27-year-old Jordie Callahan and 32-year-old Jessica Hunt was scheduled to start Tuesday in Youngstown federal court. Jury selection was initially delayed because of winter weather. Judge Benita Pearson says the trial could last three weeks, with 60 witnesses expected to testify. Authorities say the victim was treated with cruelty and forced to do housework under the threat to her and her child from a python or pit bulls. The defendants allegedly looted her bank account and public assistance. The case from Ashland came to light when the woman apparently shoplifted a candy bar to draw attention to herself and appeal for help.