2 more testify Pilati fondled them

FLORENCE, AL -- Jurors in the federal trial of former Franklin County District Attorney John Pilati heard two more men testify this morning that he fondled them during drug tests.

Pilati, who was district attorney from 1998 to 2004, is charged with depriving five men of their civil rights by ordering them to undress and then fondle them as they submitted urine samples. The allegations reportedly took place between 2001 and 2004.

Pilati has denied the charges.

A former Muscle Shoals resident and a Russellville man testified today that Pilati touched their genitals during drug tests conducted at the Franklin County Courthouse.

On Monday, a Russellville man testified that Pilati did the same thing to him during drug tests at the courthouse and at Pilati’s home.

All three testified they were on probation for drug charges when the incidents occurred.

The three men testified they feared if they reported the incidents, Pilati would have their probation revoked and they would be sent to prison.