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Prosecution Wants Bigger Juror Pool In Ex-Deputy Terrell Trial

Video surveillance shows the arrest of Derrick Price by Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jesse Terrell. (File/WUFT News)
Video surveillance shows the arrest of Derrick Price by Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jesse Terrell. (File/WUFT News)

The prosecution in the case against former Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jesse Terrell wants jurors to be selected from a wider area because the current pool might affected by the video of Terrell's 2014 arrest.

Sunday's officer-involved shooting of a 16-year-old in Gainesville might also influence the pool, prosecutors said at a pre-trial hearing in the U.S. District Courthouse in Ocala Thursday morning.

Charles Holloman, Terrell’s defense attorney, said he understood the prosecution's point.

“The concern is legitimate, and I’m very impressed with what the judge said,” he said. “He had already concerned that.”

Jurors are usually selected from within the county where incidents take place. It was unclear at Thursday's hearing what new radius the prosecution is hoping for.

Jury selection will begin with the trial's start on April 4.

On August 7, 2014, Terrell, along with four others from the sheriff's office, were involved in the drug-related arrest of Derrick Price. Video surveillance shows the arrest turning violent.

The five were suspended without pay after the discovery of the video. Terrell, who was later fired, pleaded not guilty after being indicted on a civil rights violation of Price. The other four pleaded guilty.

Holloman said that there are no further preparations he needs to make before the trial.

“We’re ready,” he said. “We wouldn’t use the word ready if we weren’t ready.”

James is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Michaela is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.