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UPDATE: 60 potential jurors may be called for Morrisey trial

Posted at 6:20 PM, Dec 03, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-03 18:20:13-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- State Delegate Joe Morrissey and his defense team spent about an hour in court during a motions hearing Wednesday afternoon.

The lawmaker, who is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenager who worked for him at his law office, entered a not-guilty plea in July and requested a jury trial.

On Wednesday, Special Prosecutor William Neely and Morrissey's defense team agreed on most of the motions except when a defense attorney argued the prosecution will attempt to use four dates that Joe Morrissey and the alleged victim were seen together after his arrest.

"I think he understands that Commonwealth is trying to take innocent acts and see if they can pile them on, so we'll see what happens at the trial," Anthony Troy, one of Morrissey defense attorney's, said.

Judge James Martin Bass said that argue will be determined when it comes up in trial.

Both sides did agree that 60 potential jurors could be called during the jury selection since Morrissey is an elected official and is so well-known throughout Central Virginia.

Neely also told the court that he plans to call 25 witnesses to testify over the course of the trial.

The trial  is slated to begin on Dec. 15 and last five days.

If convicted, Morrissey could face up to 30 years in prison.

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