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A Smith County jury was selected Tuesday to hear the case of a former Dogwood City day care owner charged with sexually assaulting young children in his care.

Jefferson Marian Moore Jr., 58, of Flint, has been indicted on three first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. He faces five years to life in prison on each charge, if convicted.

The panel of 12 was selected in 7th District Judge Kerry Russell's court on Tuesday. The state is scheduled to begin presenting its evidence Wednesday morning.

Moore was the owner of the Dogwood City Preschool and Daycare, 22284 Texas Highway 155 South, which has been closed since the investigation began in December 2004.

Moore was arrested after two children told deputies about his alleged sexual assaults.

As part of his conditions of bond, Moore was to have no contact with children. Russell allowed Moore to continue as pastor of the Dogwood City Chapel as long as he had no unsupervised contact with children.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, two alleged victims, ages 6 and 7, told investigators that they were asked by "Brother Jeff" to lie with him at naptime and were molested. The third victim was 4 years old at the time of the incident.

One of the victims stated that she didn't like lying with Brother Jeff because "he doesn't do good things."

Defense attorney Jeffery Clark is representing Moore, while assistant Smith County district attorneys Jason Parrish and Steven Comte are prosecuting the case.

Casey Knaupp covers county, state and federal courts. She can be reached at 903.596.6289. e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com