KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? Jury selection continued Wednesday in the federal fraud trial of former Westar Energy Inc. chief executive David Wittig after prosecutors were directed not to mention any alleged harm suffered by customers during his tenure.

But U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson’s decision, issued Tuesday, only affects the opening statements of the trial. Robinson has yet to decide whether to allow mention of ratepayers during the trial, which is expected to begin this week and last up to 10 weeks.

Prosecutors have charged Wittig and former Westar executive vice president Douglas T. Lake with trying to loot the company, the largest electric utility in Kansas.

In a 40-count indictment, prosecutors accused the pair used Westar money to fund extravagant office renovations, used company aircraft for personal trips and manipulating a proposed merger to help themselves.

If convicted, they each could face more than 10 years in prison. The government also wants to recover $25.5 million in assets from Wittig and $7.5 million from Lake.