Andrew Gillum trial Day 1: Jury selected, possible witnesses and an appeal to raise $1M

Jury selection began Monday morning in the first day of the trial of Andrew Gillum and Sharon Lettman-Hicks on public corruption charges.

Gillum, former Tallahassee mayor and the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, and Lettman-Hicks, his longtime mentor and owner of P&P Communications, are charged with illegally soliciting campaign donations and pocketing them in their own accounts. Gillum also is charged with lying to the FBI about gifts undercover FBI agents gave him during a 2016 trip to New York City.

Here are the latest developments in the trial:

Decoding the indictment ABCs: Guide to the people, organizations in Andrew Gillum corruption trial

Twelve jurors, three alternates picked to serve on Gillum jury

A jury of twelve plus three alternates were picked to serve during the Andrew Gillum/Sharon Lettman-Hicks trial. The jury is made up of nine women and six men. Five of the jurors are Black.

Late in the afternoon, the defense objected to a government request to strike one of the jurors, a Black man. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Milligan said the man looked at articles about Gillum and that he fell asleep during jury selection.

David Markus, one of Gillum's lawyers, said the man "didn't say anything that was objectionable" and that the court knew nothing about him other than his race.

"Based on the number of jurors we have that are Black males, we feel that this strike is racially motivated," Markus said.

However, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, who is presiding over the trial, ruled against the defense, saying the government provided reasons to dismiss him that were "race neutral."

Another juror who mentioned how much LGBTQ rights mean to her was also struck by the government.

Throughout the day, Winsor and the lawyers questioned jurors in a sidebar session that was largely inaudible because of white noise played in the courtroom. Winsor asked jurors if they could put aside their personal feelings to fairly hear the evidence and follow the law.

Some of the jurors mentioned in questionnaires that they generally distrusted politicians. Others acknowledged reading news articles about the case before the trial began.

Opening arguments are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the U.S Courthouse in Tallahassee.

Judge mentions possible witnesses during jury selection

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor asked prospective jurors this morning whether they knew anyone on a list of possible witnesses and if so whether that would impact their ability to fairly consider the case.

Among those mentioned were the aliases of two undercover FBI agents, "Mike Miller" and "Brian Butler." He did not mention another agent, "Mike Sweet," who played a key role in the corruption investigation.

Also mentioned were City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, former City Commissioner and ambassador to Portugal Allan Katz, major Gillum donor Donald Sussman, Gillum's brother Marcus Gillum, lawyer/lobbyist and Gillum adviser Sean Pittman, former City Manager Anita Favors, Gillum's former civil lawyer, Barry Richard, Vince Evans, former lobbyist and Gillum friend Adam Corey and Scott Arceneaux, former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party.

"The right to a jury trial in our courts is one of the most cherished rights we have," Winsor told prospective jurors. "That's why we're here."

Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow said he doesn't know why he was mentioned today as a possible witness in Andrew Gillum trial. He said he was never subpoenaed to testify. “I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been contacted or asked any questions about it.”

Alex Morris, an attorney for Lettman-Hicks, said later in court that he had no plans to call Matlow.

Gillum speaks to the media on his way into court

Gillum spoke briefly to reporters this morning as he headed in the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee. His wife, R. Jai Gillum, and other family and friends of Gillum and Lettman-Hicks showed up to support them.

"Gotta long day ahead," Gillum said. "But if we're fortunate, we'll get a fair jury. That's all we want."

The government releases exhibit list

The government’s exhibit list in the Andrew Gillum trial includes recordings from “Hamilton,” the Hard Rock Cafe and a boat ride in NYC; a 2018 gubernatorial debate between Gillum and Ron DeSantis, when “Hamilton” came up and a Gillum interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.

The evidence includes financial statements and emails related to his gubernatorial campaign and a trove of wiretapped conversations between undercover agents and Gillum.

The agents disguised as developers also recorded conversations with Adam Corey, Gillum's former campaign treasurer and friend before a public falling out; Gillum's brother, Marcus; and influential lobbyist, Gillum friend and advisor, Sean Pittman. A conversation between Gillum and his brother was also recorded.

Back story: Sean Pittman encountered 'Mike Miller,' too

One eve of trial, Gillum claims he's innocent in fund-raising Facebook post

On the eve of trial, Gillum took to Facebook, acknowledging that he is facing "one of my greatest challenges yet" but that he is "innocent" of the charges against him.

"First, let me state unequivocally, that I am innocent of the gross allegations being made against me. I have never taken advantage of my office or position to cheat, con, or deceive anyone," Gillum said. "To the contrary, I have always fought on behalf of those who sit on the margins of our society, no matter what the cost. While this case has targeted my character, service, and actions, I want you to remember that I am the same Andrew that you’ve known all along — a man of character and integrity with a heart for service."

He closed with a fundraising appeal to raise $1 million for his defense.

"I can’t win this fight alone. Thank you for the prayers and words of support that you extend to me and my family. Please keep them coming... And for those who are able, please consider making a donation to my legal defense fund. I am so grateful to Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, Angela Rye, Bakari Sellers, and a host of other friends who helped to establish the Bring Justice Home Legal Defense Fund."

"My family and I have made considerable financial sacrifices to defend my innocence, and your contributions will go toward the $1 million in additional funds needed to cover the trial and my legal representation."

Crowdfunding the defense: Andrew Gillum lawyer accuses FBI agents of 'misconduct' as Ben Crump raises money for his defense

Gillum, who would have been Florida's first Black governor had he won the 2018 election, noted that he was first elected to the City Commission at the age of 23 and that in 2018, he came "closer than any Democrat for (governor) in over 20 years."

"Justice frequently alludes (sic) people who look like me," Gillum said. "But I know that a fair trial with a representative jury who is able to hear the full truth and facts will have no choice but to render me innocent against these allegations."

Gavel to gavel coverage

While cameras and electronics are not allowed in the courtroom, stay tuned to tallahassee.com for daily updates from longtime investigative reporter Jeff Burlew (@jeffburlew on Twitter).

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com and follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Andrew Gillum trial: Jury selected, possible witnesses, live updates