Video: Katopodis trial to start Monday

After a failed attempt to get a delay, the trial for former Birmingham City Council member and Jefferson County Commissioner John Katopodis is set to start today.

Katopodis is accused of mis-using $250,000 intended for a Computers for Kids charity. The government contends he used the money for personal gain.

Back in 2000 Katopodis, now Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford and Healthsouth Founder Richard Scrushy created a charity to refurbish computers for underprivileged children. The 98-count indictment again Katopodis claims he spent much of the charities money on himself.

Prosecutors say he spent more than $15,000 in or around casinos, nearly $40,000 to pay off personal credit cards, and more than $9,000 for trips to places like Egypt and the Bahamas.

His trial is expected to last two weeks.