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Shaun Brown goes on trial again

Posted at 10:32 AM, Oct 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-22 17:56:34-04

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Shaun Brown's second trial on federal fraud charges began on Monday morning.

The community activist and congressional candidate faced trial during the summer, but it ended in a mistrial. A single juror spared her from being found guilty.

The retrial will be held in Newport News and no jurors live in the second congressional district, per the judge's orders.

Brown was an Independent candidate for Congress in the district, but amid allegations of fraud a judge ordered her to be removed from the ballot.

Brown faces four federal charges and is accused of ripping off a program meant to feed needy children. She continues to maintain she's innocent.

"We look forward to trying the case. I look look forward to Shaun being found not guilty, not just a hung jury," said James Ellenson, her attorney. "She's not guilty of any of these charges."

Last week, Brown filed a lawsuit against the Department of Elections, the State Board of Elections, the Democratic Party of Virginia, Scott Taylor, and political groups related to the election.

Brown is seeking $50,000. "[Brown] alleges the Defendants' [sic] knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully interfered with her right of free speech, due process and equal protection, and seeks injunctive and declaratory relief and such other further relief as the Court shall deem necessary and proper," the lawsuit states.

Brown declined to discuss the lawsuit on Monday.

The trial is expected to last several days.

Click here for our full coverage on the Shaun Brown trial