Parker-Broderick Surrogate Trial Starts

Trial Begins For Police Chief Accused Of Snooping On Sarah Jessica Parker-Matthew Broderick Surrogate

(AP)  A police chief on trial in Ohio acknowledges that he joked with paparazzi about working with them to snoop on the woman who carried twins for celebrity couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

The lawyer representing suspended Chief Barry Carpenter said during opening arguments Monday that Carpenter was "foolish," but that he never stole anything from the woman's home.

A state prosecutor told jurors that Carpenter used his position as chief in Martins Ferry, the eastern Ohio town where surrogate Michelle Ross lived, to exploit someone's personal and intimate privacy.

Carpenter and police chief Chad Dojack from nearby Bridgeport are accused of scheming to sell items from the house to celebrity photographers. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

Carpenter's trial is to continue Tuesday. Dojack faces trial in January.

Special Prosecutor T. Shawn Hervey says the woman who carried twins for Hollywood couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick is expected to testify at the trial. Two photographers are also slated to testify.

Jury selection began Monday in Carpenter's trial on multiple felonies, including burglary. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

Carpenter could face 21 1/2 years in prison if convicted on all charges.