YORK, Pa. -- The trial for three York County prison guards accused of arranging fights between inmates started Tuesday.
Twelve jurors were selected to determine if the guards are guilty of forcing inmates to perform humiliating tasks and fight each other. Prosecutor Kelley Nelson said the officers are bullies. But defense attorneys said the case relies on the claims of criminals.
Daniel Graff, Mark Haynes and David Whitcomb are on trial for official oppression after inmates said they made them participate in something they called the "Retard Olympics" in 2013.
Inmates said the guards made them fight each other and gave them humiliating challenges. In opening statements, prosecutors said the inmates had to participate in activities like wrestling in a closet and eating a spoonful of cinnamon in exchange for extra food.
Prosecutors said the guards are guilty of oppressing the inmates. But the defense attorney for Daniel Graff, Steven Rice, said the evidence the prosecution is providing doesn't prove his client is guilty.
Rice said, "So the tape, the word of these people, and an investigation that itself is in question. We believe ultimately whenever the evidence comes out, they're going to say, 'Not guilty.'"
Inmate David Wright testified against the defendants Tuesday and inmate James Hicks is expected to testify in the trial over the next couple of days. Judge Richard Renn said the trial may last all week and could go on into Monday.