from www.wkrg.com – MOBILE, Alabama – Before jurors were allowed to enter the ceremonial courtroom at Government Plaza Wednesday morning, prosecutors dropped one of the 15 cases against former Circuit Court Judge Herman Thomas.

Prosecutors cited a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim, Willie Pearson, as the reason for dismissing the charges.

In the lawsuit, which was filed June 12 against Joe Kulakowski, Pearson claims Kulakowski, an attorney representing him in another case, told him to testify against Thomas and threatened him if he would not. “He said that I knew about a tape,” Pearson wrote in the suit. “If I don’t get him that tape I would get some time.”

Pearson also claims Kulakowski used another alleged victim in the Thomas case to threaten his son. Pearson says his son was told he would get $1,000 if he would break into Pearson’s house to get the tape.

Pearson, who was one of fifteen men accusing Thomas of sexual abuse, is suing for $50,0000 in punitive damages.

Jury selection continued Wednesday morning in the remaining 14 cases against Thomas. Thomas is charged with 78 counts including sodomy, sex abuse, kidnapping and extortion.

Attorneys have narrowed the pool of potential jurors down to 152. This morning, potential jurors are being questioned based on their answers to a 8 page questionnaire, which they filled out Monday. Attorneys are expected to begin strking the jury today.