The man charged in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart is finally headed to trial, after years of delays caused by questions about his mental health and a jump from state to federal court.

Brian David Mitchell, 57, faces federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines -- for allegedly taking Smart to San Diego in the 2002 abduction. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in a federal prison.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in Salt Lake City's U.S. District Court in the trial of the one-time itinerant street preacher.

The court action should finally conclude Smart's saga -- a tale of loss, a family's fears and an improbable recovery that has long riveted the nation.

"It's certainly been a long time coming," Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father said Thursday. "We're very confident in the prosecution."...