Trial involving marijuana video to start

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A 20-year-old man is set to go on trial in Fort Worth, Texas, on charges based on a video that allegedly shows him giving kids marijuana, officials say.

Attorney Timmie White, who will defend Vanswan Polty in Criminal District Court, said his client stands accused of forcing two children, ages 2 and 4, to smoke marijuana while being videotaped, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said Monday.

"I intend to defend him to the best of my ability," White said of his part in the trial, which will also include burglary charges against Polty. Jury selection in the trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Authorities allege Polty and 18-year-old Demetris McCoy forced McCoy's two nephews to smoke marijuana and then badgered the children about its effects.

McCoy pleaded guilty to injury to a child charges as part of an agreement with prosecutors in July and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Polty is facing the injury charges, as well as a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. The Star-Telegram said the first charge holds a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while a conviction for the second charge could result in up to life in prison.