Harrelson Trial Day 2

LIBERTY, September 24, 2003 - After jury selection on Monday, the second day of the criminal trial of Janet Harrelson consisted mostly of District Attorney Mike Little laying the groundwork for the prosecution by introducing several witnesses and numerous exhibits.

Witnesses who testified included Assistant Tarrant County District Attorney Mary Butler who was one of the prosecutors in the trial of Jeff Hale, Janet Harrelson’s son. She verified Jeff Hale’s sentencing.

Sharon Delaney, a parent of one of Jeff Hale’s victims testified that she was notified of Jeff Hale’s relocation to Liberty County and contacted the Liberty County Sheriff’s office and the Liberty County District Attorney’s office.

Texas Ranger Frank Huff identified numerous exhibits introduced by the District Attorney including a computer, hard drive and computer disks from the Treasurers office. These items had been sent to the crime lab and returned to Ranger Huff.
Mr. Carol Valdez of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice verified Jeff Hale’s TDCJ permanent record.

Assistant County Attorney Mark Beausoleil testified that Harrelson had come to him for help in a modification of a divorce action attempting to modify and increase child support. It was this civil action that was the reason for Jeff Hale to be brought to Liberty County to testify. However, the motion to modify the divorce agreement had not been filed.

Mark Beausoleil secretary April Duff testified, as did her co-worker Ginger Johnson concerning the timing of certain events.

It is thought that the trial will continue though the remainder of this week and perhaps the first part of next week.

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