KENNETT, Mo. (AP) -- Jury selection begins Wednesday in the trial of a 24-year-old accused of cutting in a store checkout line and not listening to police who tried to remove her from the property.
Heather Ellis is a black teacher facing charges of assaulting officers, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace in Dunklin County. Her supporters claim the charges are racially motivated.
A rally was held on her behalf Monday, and counter-protesters also were on hand — some waving flags with the Confederate design or swastikas.
Ellis' troubles began in 2007 when the then-college student switched into a checkout lines at a Walmart in Kennett. Police say Ellis became belligerent and fought with officers called to the store. She claims she was harassed by a customer, hassled by workers and mistreated by police.
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