Testimony began in Newton County Sheriff Eddie Shannon’s trial in San Augustine yesterday.

Shannon’s accused of threatening to have someone shoot Newton County Judge Truman Dougharty and other members of the Newton County Commissioners’ Court after he became angry over decisions made by the governing body.

Shannon was reported to have made the threats following a commissioners’ court meeting in April 2014. He was indicted and charged with Terroristic Threat and placed on administrative leave by the Newton County Commissioners’ Court. Shannon had only been in office a few months when the incident occurred.

A change of venue was granted as a jury of seven women and five men hear testimony with Judge Ned Dean of Groveton presiding.

Shannon’s counsel said in their opening statements the case is all about politics and one of the witnesses to his alleged statement, Chief Deputy Cynthia Hall wanted his job.

Testimony continues this morning in the district courtroom in San Augustine.