In Covington the sex crimes trial of former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain got underway and opening arguments were heard yesterday, along with the testimony of one witness before the judge adjourned early due to expected bad weather.
In his opening Assistant District Attorney Collin Sims told jurors that the trial would be exhausting and described Strain as greedy and full of secrets. Sims said this all started after Strain decided to privatize a controversial inmate work release program. According to Sims, the FBI got involved in that case and the sex crime allegations surfaced after.
Strain’s attorney said the district attorney was trying to smear Strain, and said the case is about manipulation and said Strain is not guilty. Strain is being represented by Billy Gibbens, a well-known New Orleans-based criminal defense lawyer who has been involved in many high-profile trials in the area.
The trial continues today.
