News Photo by Julie Riddle From left, Alpena County Assistant Prosecutor Megan McKeon, Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski, defense attorneys Alan Curtis and Matt Wojda, Heather Winfield, and defense attorney Dan White wait in an Alpena APlex ballroom for jury selection in Winfield’s trial to begin.

ALPENA ― After eight hours of questioning, attorneys on Tuesday selected 14 jurors to serve in this week’s sex assault trial of former Alpena Public Schools special education teacher Heather Winfield.

About 100 potential jurors dwindled to about 30 before both sides agreed at about 6 pm. on a four-men, ten-women jury ― including two alternates ― to hear evidence against Winfield, accused of sexually assaulting a former student when he was between 11 and 13 years old between 2016 and 2018.

During probing by attorneys, potential jurors sat in rows of stacking chairs in a ballroom-turned-courtroom in Alpena’s APlex, the larger space necessitated by a large jury pool and COVID-19 precautions.

Attorneys closely questioned potential jurors about their attitudes regarding sexual assault, the age of consent to sexual activity, and whether children can lie.

Answering concerns raised by a potential juror, Judge Roy Hayes said jurors not comfortable wearing a mask might sit apart from the rest once the trial moves to the 26th Circuit Court courtroom to avoid juror distraction during witness testimony.

Both sides plan to present opening statements today, followed by the introduction of the prosecution’s first witnesses as time permits.

Attorneys expect the trial to last two weeks.