ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- Opening statements were heard Monday afternoon in the trial of Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter, one of two police chiefs facing charges in a celebrity surrogate scandal.

The defense and prosecution told jurors two different perceptions of Carpenter: one of a police chief-turned-thief and the other of an honest law enforcement officer who made a stupid decision.

Carpenter is charged in connection with a conspiracy to take items from a woman who acted as a surrogate mother for the twins of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. He is accused of trying to sell items stolen from the surrogate's Martins Ferry home and faces 21 1/2 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Officials with Common Pleas Judge John Solovan's office said 70 potential jurors were summoned and, in the end, eight women and four men were selected to hear the case. As the proceedings began, Solovan gave jurors preliminary instructions and told jurors that it is their "exclusive duty" to determine the facts of the case.

"You're not required to believe the testimony of any witness just because it was given under oath," Solovan told the jury.

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Images: Barry Carpenter Trial

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During opening arguments, Emily Laube, one of the prosecutors representing the state, told jurors that they would hear direct and circumstantial evidence.

"Do not get caught up in the hype. The case is about a victim and an alleged perpetrator," Laube said.

Carpenter's defense attorney, Dennis McNamara, acknowledged that Carpenter was inside the surrogate's home, but said Carpenter did not commit any crimes. He said Carpenter was only there as part of his police duties.

"(Carpenter) entered the house in his official capacity," McNamara said.

Carpenter was suspended from his position as police chief in August and faces six charges: two counts of burglary and one count each of receiving stolen property, theft in office, tampering with evidence and unauthorized use of property or services.

Bridgeport Police Chief Chad Dojack was also charged in connection with the alleged theft and will be tried separately on Jan. 12.

Dojack stepped aside as Bridgeport chief while he deals with the charges. He is accused of conspiring to break into the home in order to take items that could be sold to tabloid publications.

Charges were previously dismissed against a third man, Bruce Callarik, who is the son of the Bridgeport mayor and also Dojack's father-in-law. Callarik faced the least severe charge: one count of receiving stolen property. The prosecutor said it would be better to use Callarik as a witness so he can cooperate fully and openly with the ongoing investigation.

The surrogate mother, Michelle Ross, is also expected to testify.

The trial is scheduled to resume at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. NEWS9's Allison Latos will be back in the courtroom will report on the latest developments as the trial moves forward.