Graham also told friends who questioned the girl's whereabouts that she was on trips to New York, New Jersey and Disney World but would return.

The trial is expected to last about five weeks. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who was deeply involved in the case as a state legislator, attended the start.

"It sounds to me they're saying if she didn't do it, DCF did it, which is preposterous," said Wilson.

The Democratic congresswoman is not related to Rilya.