Jordan Johnson Trial Jury Will Be Chosen From 400 at Local Hotel [AUDIO]

The trial of suspended Grizzly quarterback Jordan Johnson will begin February 8th with jury selection, but it is where selection will take place and how many potential jurors will be in the pool that is unusual.

Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg says the State requested a pool of 500 jurors, but District Judge Karen Townsend limited the number to 400. The sheer number of possible jurors was chosen because Van Valkenburg believes it will be difficult to empanel a jury that can 'render a fair and impartial verdict in the case'.

The jury selection will take place starting early in the morning February 8th at the Holiday Inn at the Park. A District Court representative said, if all goes well, jury selection can be concluded and testimony can begin on February 8th. Van Valkenburg says it would be difficult to interview so many people and empanel a jury with alternates in just one day.

Johnson is accused of sexual intercourse without consent, a charge to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Ironically, the alleged rape took place on February 4th, 2012, almost a year to the day before the trial is scheduled to start.

If found guilty, the maximum penalty is 100 years, or life in prison and a $50,000 fine. The trial is scheduled to last for 10 business days.

Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg