DURHAM, N.C. — A convicted peeper was the subject of discussion in the Mike Peterson case Thursday morning.
Samuel Ferebee has been a courtroom regular during jury selection. Last year, he was convicted of peeping charges in New Bern. He is also been accused of stalking coeds on the Duke University and University of North Carolina campuses.
Defense attorney David Rudolf told the judge Thursday that Ferebee was making one of Peterson's children uncomfortable. A deputy ordered Ferebee to sit on the other side of the courtroom.
"I unfortunately have been on the wrong side and have empathy for Mr. Peterson," he said.
Ferebee said he is only in the courtroom for one reason -- to find out more about the legal system.
"I told the officer I'm not here to discomfort anyone or to cause a problem," he said. "I'm simply a member of the public. I'm trying to learn and observe."
Ferebee said he had been sitting near the Peterson family was because he had a hard time hearing the lawyers from further back in the courtroom.
Rudolf spent more than three hours grilling one potential juror. He described to the woman graphic details of homosexual pictures that may be shown at trial. Rudolf said he was concerned she might not be able to handle it.
So far, three people have been seated for the trial.
Opening statements may still be weeks away.
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