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Child pornography trial underway for father-in-law of Susan Powell

Courts • Prosecutors reinstated a charge that had been dismissed at 2012 trial.

Tacoma, Wash. • Testimony has begun in the child pornography trial for Steven Powell.

Powell was convicted of voyeurism in 2012 and served 30 months in prison for shooting photos and video of two young neighbor girls using the bathroom. Pierce County prosecutors reinstated a child pornography charge against Powell that had been dismissed during the 2012 trial.

On Tuesday a jury was selected and opening statements were delivered. Powell had said he would act as his own attorney, but on Tuesday had a lawyer cross-examine witnesses.

Steven Powell is the father of Josh Powell, who killed his two sons and himself in February 2012 while under investigation for the disappearance of his wife Susan Powell in Utah.

Prosecutors on Tuesday asked Pierce County sheriff's Detective Gary Sanders about images they say Steven Powell kept of his young neighbors.

Sanders testified there were numerous images of the two during what they thought were private moments.

Powell's attorney said there was no way to prove the images were taken by or belonged to Powell.

"You knew there were multiple other people living there, right?" Travis Currie asked. "Yes," Sanders responded.