Jury Selection Continues in Campaign Finance Fraud Trial of Associates of John Liu

By Dina Exil & Jennifer Kufa

As jury selection entered the second day on Tuesday in the politically explosive trial of two former associates of mayoral candidate, John Liu, the federal judge in the case predicted a jury would be picked by the end of the day.

Judge Sullivan has been excusing potential jurors that conveyed too favorable or unfavorable opinions of City Comptroller John Liu after brief questioning.

The two campaign workers, Jia “Jenny” Hou and Xing Wu Pan, were charged with conspiring in a straw-donor scheme that prosecutors say was a way of avoiding regulation preventing donors from giving more than $4,950 to a candidate.

“We should have at least 12 jurors by the end of the day,” said Judge Richard J. Sullivan, adding  that he expected the trial last about three weeks.

Hou’s charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to the FBI.

The trial has raised criticisms of the city comptroller, match supreme prem centering on Liu’s managerial skills and integrity.

The U.S. Attorney  has not formally charged Liu nor exonerated him. Liu earlier was dropped from the witness list.

“It’s time to put up or shut up already,” said Liu Monday as jury selection began, “because I have an election to win.”