Former Colbert County District Attorney Bryce U. Graham Jr. died Sunday after an apparent heart attack. He was 66.

Graham had been serving on the defense team for suspended Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gilbert “Gil” Self, whose trial is entering its third week Monday in Florence. The case recessed Friday with the State’s lead investigator still on the stand for cross-examination.

The trial was scheduled to resume for its third week on Monday.

Presiding Judge Tim Jolley has ordered the trial be delayed to allow the defense team to realign in the wake of Graham’s passing.

Judge Self is charged with 16 counts of using his office for personal gain, one related charge of perjury, and one related charge of making a false representation to the Examiners of Public Accounts.

The money at issue came from the 11th Judicial Administration Fund and the Lauderdale County Law Library Fund, both of which Self had controlled as county presiding judge.

Self has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cross-examination by defense attorney Graham raised the question of who the victims are of the alleged crimes.

Prosecution witnesses had testified Wednesday and most of the day Thursday. Late Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, defense attorney Graham began his questioning of the witness.

In a dramatic move, Graham gestured to the courtroom audience and asked the witness to point out a victim of the crime. At that point, presiding Judge Tim Jolley, a retired Marshall County Judge, stopped the answer and told jurors that the government is the victim.

Graham asked witness Wilson whether Self had repaid the government the $140,000 at issue after the audit questioned it. He agreed that it was repaid.

Graham asked the witness if Self had stated during the audit: “There was never intent to obtain personal gain of any sort.” He agreed that had been stated.

The defense attorney asked whether Wilson started his investigation before the audit had been completed. He admitted he did.

It was also asked if two other judges were reimbursing funds under the audit but were not being criminally prosecuted. He admitted that was true.

It was asked if 2 ½ years of salary paid to Judge Self’s son were repaid. He said that was true. He was asked if that meant the government received 2 ½ years of free work? He acknowledged that.

The first week of trial had been consumed by jury selection. Attorneys for the prosecution and defense had examined the large jury venire of over 200 citizens summoned for service. It was the largest jury pool ever summoned in Lauderdale County, due to how well-known the defendant is.

The attorneys used the striking process and ended up with twelve jurors and four alternates.

The second week saw opening statements from both sides and presentation of prosecution witnesses.

The third week of the trial begins on Monday with continued cross-examination of prosecution witnesses.

After that would come defense motions to dismiss and presentation of defense witnesses.

Following cross-examination of defense witnesses, the prosecution can present rebuttal witnesses. Closing arguments from both sides are followed by instructions as to the law by Judge Jolley. The case then goes to the jury for deliberations.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]