PHOENIX – Jury selection began Monday in the trial of an inmate who took two guards captive in a prison watchtower, holding one officer for 15 days in what became the nation’s longest prison hostage situation in decades.

Inmate Ricky Wassenaar, who is defending himself, questioned prospective jurors in a routine and polite manner as they were brought into the courtroom one at a time.

At least five sheriff’s deputies, including one plainclothes officer, provided security. Under a previous ruling, Wassenaar was ordered to wear a stun belt under his shirt. Special tactical officers accompanied Wassenaar during a bathroom break.

Jurors were asked whether they had seen media accounts of last year’s hostage situation, which drew national attention.

Most said they had, but some were allowed to remain prospective jurors after they said they could disregard the coverage they had seen or read.

Of the 25 prospective jurors called Monday, 13 were left on the prospective panel. More were to be called Tuesday. Opening arguments could begin as early as Thursday afternoon.

Wassenaar, who is serving time for armed robbery and assault, faces charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

He has a court-appointed attorney to assist him. He asked most of the prospective jurors whether they knew what he had been convicted of previously; none did.

Wassenaar and another inmate, Steven Coy, took the two guards hostage at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye on Jan. 18, 2004. They assaulted kitchen staff and guards before Wassenaar tricked one of the guards into letting him into the tower.

They released the male guard after a week but held the female guard until surrendering 15 days later. The female guard, Lois Fraley, said both inmates raped her.

Coy, who was already serving a life sentence for aggravated assault, armed robbery and rape, pleaded guilty to charges in the hostage-taking, including kidnapping, assault and sexual assault.

As part of the agreement to end the hostage situation, Coy, who grew up in Lewiston, Maine, was sent to Maine to serve his time.