His trial may eventually be one of the biggest stories of 2008. His indictment sent shockwaves through the region in 2007.

P. David Romei, the former director of the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, was arrested and accused of stealing money from the arts and the City of College Station, using the funds to make campaign contributions, take trips and buy medication.

Romei pleaded not guilty to all charges, then tried to remove Brazos County District Attorney Bill Turner from trying three of the four indictments. Turner had received one of the alleged illegal contributions, but removed his office from trying that charge. A judge ruled Turner could try the rest.

A legendary attorney joined Romei's team near the end of the year, as Richard "Racehorse" Haines was hired.

Read more about the Romei indictment by clicking on the links below. Then, leave your comments about the third biggest local story of 2007.