NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) - Jury selection is expected to begin on Friday in the federal trial of former state lawmaker and budget official Kosta Diamantis.

Diamantis, who once led Connecticut’s Office of School Construction Grants and Review, is accused of steering no-bid contracts to benefit himself and members of his family.

The alleged misconduct occurred while he had oversight of millions of dollars in public funding for school construction projects.

Defense attorneys attempted to delay the start of the trial, citing concerns related to the federal government shutdown.

However, the judge denied that request and ordered proceedings to continue as scheduled.

Diamantis was arrested last year and has remained free on a $500,000 bond.

If convicted, he could face several years in pris

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