Federal trial begins for Amish farmer accused of mislabeling products

Court officials selected a jury and opening statements began in the trial of an Amish farmer who is accused of mislabeling products.

The charges against Samuel Girod include conspiracy, distributing misbranded drugs, and threatening a witness. A 2015 federal indictment said Girod sold a 'Chickweed Salve' that said 'Cures Cancer' on the label.

when someone reported his products to the state health department in Missouri. A federal judge in Missouri ruled that FDA officials must complete inspections of the property where Girod made his products which is where Kentucky comes into play.

Girod makes his products on the family farm along Satterfield Lane in Bath County. The farm is home to Girod and his wife, along with their 12 children and 25 grandchildren.

The FDA requires anyone who manufactures a defined drug to register their facility with them. The Girod farm is not registered. According to the indictment, the FDA says their officers were prevented from conducting an inspection at the farm.

Girod is representing himself. He has many supporters gathered at the federal courthouse in Lexington for his trial.