A pool of 255 potential jurors that arrived Monday at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia for the trial of U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah was whittled down by Tuesday evening to the final 18.
That number includes the 12 jurors and six alternates in a case that will begin May 16 with opening arguments and is expected to take several weeks.
Various motions by both Fattah's defense and federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia are also expected between now and the beginning of the trial in two weeks.
Fattah, 58, is charged with bribery, racketeering, money laundering, and other charges in an alleged scheme that dates back to a $1 million loan during his failed 2007 run for mayor.
"It's a great day," Fattah said as he left the courthouse at 601 Market St. "I can't really comment."
Four others, including a wealthy longtime political supporter, are also charged.
The congressman, who hails from West Philadelphia and has represented the city-based 2nd Congressional District for 22 years, lost his re-election bid last Tuesday to state Rep. Dwight Evans.
