Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A jury was selected Monday in the rape trial of Quentell Elhakim, 30, of West Middlesex, Pa. Opening statements and first witnesses in the trial are expected early today.

Elhakim faces three counts of rape that each allegedly occurred Jan. 8, 2023, and involved a woman. The case is before Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony Donofrio.

The charges allege that Elhakim engaged in sexual conduct with the woman when Elhakim “compelled her to submit by force or threat of force.”

The charges are all first-degree felonies. His August 2024 indictment was a direct presentment, meaning it did not go through a lower court such a municipal or county area court before he was indicted.