Herman Thomas trial: Stories changing?

MOBILE, Ala. - Both the prosecution and the defense believe the inmates set to testify are "feeling the pressure", but for different reasons.

The Herman Thomas trial is almost underway and defense attorney Robert "Cowboy Bob" Clark already has his mind made up.

"A big bunch of bullsh*t that ain't going nowhere," is how he described it.

In fact, Clark says he believes the inmates set to testify against former Judge Herman Thomas were pressured to make up their accusations.

"Isn't it amazing to you they're all saying the same thing, Isn't it amazing? You know, these are uneducated people using words like "confidential information" and so on," said Clark. "That doesn't amaze you? It does me, anyhow."

Assistant District Attorney, Nikki Patterson agrees the inmates likely felt pressure. Not to testify, but to lie about what really happened.

"I would be surprised if that were not the case," Patterson said.

Sources close to the investigation tell us former Judge Herman Thomas had widespread access to Mobile Metro Jail and many people inside still don't believe the allegations against Thomas are true.

He's accused of dozens of charges including kidnapping and sex abuse.

"We have 15 people who have told us over and over again something bad happened to us," said Patterson.

And until those people change their tune in a courtroom. The D.A.'s office says nothing else will change either.

"All the rest of this is nice theatrics," Patterson said. "But until somebody says it didn't happen, then we're assuming that they're saying exactly what they've told us over and over again."

Even if witnesses take back their comments during the trial, the D.A.'s office says it has plenty of written evidence that will still be used.

Fox10 News also called the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Cochran says no one inside the jail has put pressure on anyone.