PITTSBURGH — Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of a fired guard at the center of a sexual and physical abuse investigation at a state prison and his attorney said the man is “pleased we’re finally getting a chance to face his accusers.”

Harry Nicoletti, 61, of Coraopolis, faces the most — and most serious — charges of the four guards who are standing trial separately for the alleged abuse in the F Block, or intake area, at the century-old State Correctional Institution in Pittsburgh.

Nicoletti has been fired from the prison where he allegedly sexually assaulted and physically abused more than 20 inmates, mostly those serving time for child molestation. But Nicoletti also allegedly targeted inmates he thought were gay, regardless of their crimes.

Nicoletti has called the charges “made up” and his attorney, Steve Colafella, said the accusers are not those typically deemed credible. The jury must decide whether Nicoletti is guilty of 89 counts involving 21 inmates.