Jury selection began Wednesday in the child rape trial of Jelani Maraj - the brother of rapper Nicki Minaj. 

Maraj was arrested on charges that he raped a 12-year-old in Nassau County. His attorney, David Schwartz, says Maraj is ready to prove his innocence.    

"He's going to be vindicated," said Schwartz. "These are a bunch of lies. There is a big, big motive to lie here which I can't get into now, but these are false accusations."

Schwartz did not elaborate when asked about the "motive to lie."

Maraj faces life in prison if convicted.