The case went to the jury around noon on Monday.

This was after closing arguments took place earlier in the day.

Testimony wrapped up Friday with Howard taking the stand in his own defense.

UPDATE: 6/24
CATLETTSBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The alleged victim took the stand Wednesday to testify against Elliott County jailer Charles Howard.

She testified that Howard -- who was taking her to the Boyd County Detention Center -- drove her to a remote area of Boyd County and raped her.

The trial will resume on Thursday with the defense asking questions. If convicted, Howard could face 10 to 20 years in prison.

The commonwealth began presenting its case Monday afternoon against Charles Howard.

Prosecutors alleged in their opening statement that the 51-year-old Howard drove the woman to a remote area along the Boyd-Carter county line while taking her to the Boyd County Detention Center in August.

Defense attorney Michael Curtis told the jury the woman made up
the allegations against Howard because she was angry at having to
go to jail.

ORIGINAL STORY:
CATLETTSBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Jury selection is underway in the trial of the Elliott County Jailer charged with rape.

Police and prosecutors say that back in September, Charles Howard was driving a 26-year-old female inmate from Sandy Hook to the Boyd County Jail, when the inmate says Howard stopped in a remote area of Boyd County and raped her.

Howard’s rape trail began Monday morning in Boyd County Circuit Court. The trial is expected to last several days.

Howard faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Howard has remained free on bond since his arrest. He's off the job, but not suspended and still getting a paycheck.

The candidate who Howard lost to in the last election, Mark Lewis, was named Elliott County's Transportation Officer until Howard’s legal issues are resolved.

Howard’s trial is the first in Boyd County’s new judicial center.