Jury selection was to begin today for the trial of a Vicksburg-based state trooper accused of molestation.

Dane Davenport, 45, 407 Warren St., was named in a nine-count indicment in January by a Warren County grand jury and accused of having sexual relations with children younger than 14 or fondling children younger than 16. Under state law, the children are not identified.

Oktibbeha County grand jurors returned another indictment a day later stemming from a charge filed there alleging sexual misconduct with a boy younger than 16 occurring in September 2007.

Warren County Circuit Court Judge Isadore Patrick was to hear the case. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case because it involves a state employee and multiple jurisdictions, officials have said. Prosecuting attorneys are Jean Vaughan and Brandon Ogburn.

Davenport has been out on bond since the indictments, AG spokesman Jan Schaefer said.

A state trooper with the rank of master sergeant, Davenport was placed on administrative leave without pay until the case is resolved.

The first incident is alleged to have occurred in October 1999. Other specific illegal acts with children are alleged in July 2003 (three), November 2005, November or December 2005, May 2007 (two) and October 2007. The code sections involved are 97-3-95 and 97-5-23. Maximum penalties are life terms for each of the four sexual relations counts and 15 years for each of the five fondling counts.

In addition to patrol, Davenport previously managed the Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver’s license station at 1100 Grove St.