A jury was selected Wednesday in the long-awaited trial of Suffolk County's former top prosecutor Thomas Spota and his former aide Christopher McPartland.

The prosecution and defense selected 12 jury members and six alternates. The potential jurors were each given a questionnaire to see if they have any connection to any high-level law enforcement members or politicians in Nassau and Suffolk.

Prosecutors say Spota and McPartland tried to cover up the beating of Christopher Loeb by then-Police Chief James Burke.

Defense attorneys have denied the charges against Spota and McPartland.

Opening arguments are set to begin Thursday.

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