Eldorado, Texas » The second day of jury selection resumes Tuesday in Schleicher County in the case of Raymond Merril Jessop, with attorneys questioning prospective panelists one by one before the judge.

On Monday, 51st District Judge Barbara Walther released 19 of the 153 county residents who were summoned for jury duty in the case, the first involving 12 FLDS men charged with crimes after a 2008 investigation at the Yearning For Zion Ranch. She sent all but 36 prospective jurors home about 5 p.m. The attorneys individually questioned those that remained in inaudible conversations as they stood before the judge's bench.

That process will begin again Tuesday at 9 a.m. as attorneys try to find 14 people -- 12 jurors and two alternates -- to hear the case.

Jessop, 38, is charged with one second-degree felony count of sexual assault of a child, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine; probation is also an option. He, like the other men charged, is a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, based in Utah and Arizona.

The county culled 300 prospective jurors from drivers license and voter registration records, but only half showed up; the others asked to be excused from the jury because of age, caretaker responsibilities or other permitted reason.

Prospective jurors began lining up at 8:30 a.m. outside the Schleicher County Memorial

Building, which is being used for the trial because it has more seating than the historic courthouse. The prospective jurors -- among them 17 FLDS members -- endured a stiff, cold breeze and rain while they waited to be cleared by Texas Rangers.

The judge released the first group before noon after deciding they qualified for one of seven exemptions.

After lunch, potential jurors were "shuffled" to mix up family, friends and neighbors before prosecutor Eric Nichols and defense attorney Mark Stevens asked a series of questions aimed at ferreting out those unable or unqualified to serve.

Nichols focused on attitudes toward state laws, the proof burden, direct vs. circumstantial evidence and options available in sentencing. He also asked whether anyone was related to Jessop by blood or marriage. Seven FLDS members flashed their numbered cards in response.

At one point, he asked, "Who hasn't heard about this case?" No hands went up. He then asked who might not be able to put what they had heard "in a box" and make a decision based only on evidence presented at trial. Thirteen people said that would be difficult to do.

Stevens asked if any felt this was "not the right case" for them because of their own life experiences. Thirteen raised their hands. Fifteen gave a positive response when asked whether they, a family member or someone they knew had ever been a victim of a sexual crime.

He also asked about previous grand jury service and church affiliation, familiarity with individuals involved in the investigation or trial and reminded them Jessop's actions, not his beliefs, were on trial.

When Stevens asked if anyone would have trouble considering a probation as a sentencing option in a child sexual assault case, an estimated 37 people raised their hands.