Opening statements in the federal bribery trial of Ward 8 D.C. Council member Trayon White are set to begin Tuesday after the jury was seated on Monday.

The court selected a 14-person panel consisting of 12 jurors and two alternates. The group includes nine women and five men.

U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras and attorneys for the defense and prosecution led potential jurors through follow-up questions based on their answers to a jury questionnaire.

They were asked whether they believed FBI agents were less likely than other people to make mistakes, as well as how they viewed sting operations and a possible entrapment defense.

White’s attorneys may argue a government cooperating witness pushed him to accept the cash he’s accused of taking.

Several potential jurors indicated they might view a defendant as guilty if that person chooses not to testify. The judge reminded them that a defendant has a right to not testify. After further questioning, most said they would not let that affect their decision.

Several were excused, some because of work or vacation conflicts. One potential juror could not guarantee they’d be able to reach a verdict after hearing the evidence and deliberating.

Others told the court they were skeptical of sting operations or had family members who were victims of crimes.

White spoke frequently with his attorneys and passed them notes, but he did not address the court during the session.

Federal prosecutors accuse White of accepting $35,000 in cash in exchange for using his position to help a businessman with D.C. government contracts. White has pleaded not guilty.

Contreras had hoped to begin opening statements Monday, but finalizing the jury and allowing both sides to make their strikes took the session into late afternoon.

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