The jury has been selected in the trial of Curt Rude, who is on unpaid leave as captain of the Austin Police Department after allegedly taking prescription drugs from the APD evidence room.

The trial will likely conclude this week and is taking place in Olmsted County.

The jury consists of 14 members. Two are alternates. Opening statements were made at 9:30 a.m. before testimony began.

Rude is charged with felony theft, drug possession and gross misdemeanor interfering with property in official custody after allegedly taking two bottles of the prescription drug Oxycontin from the APD evidence room the night of Nov. 6, 2007, the same day as his election to the Austin School Board.

Rude still serves on the school board. His term expires in 2011.