CANTON — Seven women and five men were selected as jurors Thursday in St. Lawrence County Court in the trial of a Canton man accused of sexually abusing two girls over an eight-year period.

Richard W. Thornton, 37, is charged with felony predatory sexual assault against a child, felony first- and second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and two counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

He is accused of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl from summer 2008 to summer 2010, and of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl from summer 2002 to summer 2009.

Opening statements are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today.

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