Twelve jurors and two alternates were seated this evening for the trial of Tony Linwood Martin Jr. on counts of obtaining property by false pretense and exploitation of elder trust.

Visiting Superior Court Judge J.C. Cole of Perquimans County will open court at 9:30 Tuesday morning and opening arguments in the case by Assistant Halifax County District Amy Broughton and Martin’s defense attorney, Kanter Searcy Morris, will be heard.

The victim in the case, Fay Pierce, is expected to testify.

A motion to have the case continued in light of a stalking charge filed against Martin last week involving the victim was denied.

Broughton told prospective jurors the case is likely to last at least until Thursday.

The jury will consist of seven men and five women.

Few hints were given as to the strategy the two attorneys will take in the case, although Morris did ask prospective jurors whether they ever loaned money to anyone and if so, “Has there ever been an occasion when the person didn’t pay it back as soon as you would like? These circumstances do happen.”

A summary of the case filed last year after Martin was arrested said a magistrate believed the victim was not able to secure the services available to safeguard their rights and resources to maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing.

The magistrate found probable cause that Martin allegedly used his standing in a position of trust, confidence or a business relationship to deceive the victim to obtain $183,000 with the intent to deprive the victim of the money temporarily or permanently to use for his benefit.

Judge Cole when relaying the charges to the jury said the amount was about $150,000.