Jury selected; Dasen trial begins today

A jury selected on Tuesday begins its duty today in the prostitution trial of Kalispell businessman Dick Dasen Sr.

That duty is expected to take four to six weeks.

Lawyers sifted through about 100 people to choose 12 jurors and three alternates Tuesday. One woman reportedly told court officials that she already has a scheduling conflict that could require a substitute to replace her if it can't be worked out.

Six women and nine men were selected as fact-finders into the allegations that Dasen committed 10 acts of prostitution and one each of sexual intercourse without consent, promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, and sexual exploitation of children.

The sheer volume of charges troubled some prospective jurors.

"You just wonder about this man who got himself in such a pickle … I don't understand how you can get in so deep," one woman said.

"They wouldn't have 14 charges if there wasn't something to it," one man said initially. He said he was overcoming that prejudice as the selection process continued from Monday into Tuesday morning.

Others told attorneys that just because Dasen was charged doesn't mean he's guilty.

"If the charges are true, then it's a horrible thing," one woman said.

As another put it, "The amount of charges does not mean a lot to me … There is a victim in this, but I don't know if it's Mr. Dasen or the alleged victims of the crimes."

"They have to prove that Mr. Dasen is guilty," another said.

One woman was excused when she said she wouldn't be able to get over the allegation that children were involved and the opinion she formed about Dasen's guilt, based on media accounts.

Every prospective juror said he or she knew about the case and had talked with other people about the case.

One woman said that she had read positive things as well as negative things about Dasen.

"We all have … It's both sides … that makes it all the more shocking," she said.

Dasen and some of his family members were present for jury selection.

This morning, jurors will hear instructions from District Judge Stewart Stadler. Lawyers will lay out their cases during opening arguments.

Deputy County Attorneys Dan Guzynski and Lori Adams will describe Dasen's involvement with scores of women whom Dasen supposedly paid for sex.

Defense attorney George Best gave a glimpse into his case when he asked prospective jurors if they would be disturbed to learn that Dasen engaged in "lots" of adultery.

If convicted, Dasen could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com