Trial Starts For Surgeon Accused Of Drugging Wife

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Jury selection is under way in the trial of a Fargo surgeon accused of drugging his wife with a powerful anesthetic and sexually assaulting her.

Dr. Jon Norberg is accused of having sex with Dr. Alonna Norberg after giving her propofol, a medication that gained notoriety during the trial of the doctor who treated pop star Michael Jackson.

Jon Norberg has pleaded not guilty to charges of gross sexual imposition and reckless endangerment. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Lawyers say the case could last until Thanksgiving.

The Associated Press typically does not identify victims of alleged sex crimes, but Alonna Norberg has spoken publicly, once to deny claims by her husband that she agreed to the medication as part of treatment for a debilitating disease.

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