Potential jurors for trial of Greg Craig, former Obama W.H. counsel, asked about Mueller, Manafort

The jury selection process for former Obama White House Counsel Greg Craig began Monday morning as potential jurors were asked about their knowledge of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former special counsel Robert Mueller.

Mr. Craig is accused of lying to Justice Department officials about Manafort’s lobbying work for the Ukrainian government. The former White House counsel has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was born out of Mr. Mueller’s investigation.

Although Mr. Mueller referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, his 22-month probe remained at the forefront of jury selection.

A pool of more than 70 potential jurors was asked if they have any knowledge or connections to Mr. Mueller, Manafort or his longtime business associate, Rick Gates. The government’s star witness against Mr. Craig, Gates also pleaded guilty to charges brought by the special counsel.

Jurors were even asked about some of the bit players in the Mueller probe. Judge Amy Berman Jackson inquired if they had knowledge of or connections to Alex Vander Zwaan and Konstantin Kilimnik, who both made cameos in the investigation.