63°Jerry Sandusky laments his plight
Feb 11
2012
Jerry Sandusky declared Friday that people have turned against him, moments after the ex-Penn State football coordinator asked a judge for greater freedom while he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges.
Sandusky was in a Centre County courtroom and asked a judge to let him see relatives, including supervised visits with his grandchildren, and friends. He denies the criminal allegations.
The judge could rule early next week on Sandusky's request.
Sandusky also said he felt people who had been welcomed in his home were now trying to keep him confined indoors.
"I've associated with thousands of young people over the years," said Sandusky, 68, the former Penn State defensive coordinator charged with 52 criminal counts involving 10 victims over 15 years. "And now, all of a sudden, because of allegations and perceptions that have been tried to be created of me, now I can't take our dog on my deck and throw out biscuits to him."
Sandusky's home borders an elementary school and its playground. After he sought permission to see relatives and friends and leave his home to help lawyers prepare his case, the attorney general's office countered with a court filing that said neighbors expressed concern for the safety of children. A teacher and intern also reported that he had been watching children from his back deck.
Prosecutors want an order that restricts Sandusky to the inside of his home, which a county probation officer said would be unusual for people under in-home detention.
His lawyer, Joe Amendola, told Judge John Cleland that Sandusky had not sought probation officers' approval for adult visitors, but he was seeking the judge's permission because he sensed the officers were reluctant to do anything out of the ordinary. An investigator said none of the complaints involved Sandusky approaching children.
State prosecutor Jonelle Eshbach told the judge that a clearly defined trip to help his legal team would be one thing, but she was against letting him have visitors. The allegations include charges he sexually attacked a boy in the basement of his home, while his wife was upstairs.
"This home was not safe for children for 15 years, and it's not safe for children now," Eshbach said. "We think that the actual contact, visitation with his grandchildren is not a good idea. And we also feel that way with regard to visitors."
Prosecutors noted that one daughter-in-law strongly objects to increased contact between her children and Sandusky, while Amendola presented the court with letters from Sandusky's children, and notes and drawings from his grandchildren, expressing their desire for increased contact.
He also noted a court-appointed guardian for grandchildren who are part of a custody dispute found no reason Sandusky couldn't see them.
"Comparing with a jail situation, were he in jail, he would have certain rights to have visitors," Amendola told Cleland.
State investigator Anthony Sassano testified that children had noticed Sandusky from their classroom, and that his presence was disrupting school activities.
One neighbor had used a video camera to document Sandusky's time on his deck, Sassano said. He said Sandusky was seen on the video brushing his dog or letting the dog go outside to play. Sandusky cannot walk the dog because of his bail restrictions, Amendola said.
Sandusky said after the hearing that his neighbors have changed toward him.
"Now all of a sudden, these people turn on me when they've been in my home with their kids," he said. "They've attended birthday parties when they've been on that deck. When their kids have been playing in my yard. When their kids have been sled riding when they've asked to sled ride. It's difficult for me to understand."
His home at the end of a dead-end street has a black and orange "No Trespassing" sign at the driveway, while earlier this week the two properties directly adjacent to his home sported white signs supporting the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
Widener University law professor Wes Oliver, who observed the proceeding, predicted Cleland was unlikely to order Sandusky to remain indoors.
"Clearly what the prosecution was doing was trying to appease the community," said Oliver, who teaches criminal procedure.
The hearing concerned various issues that have arisen since Sandusky was first arrested in early November. Cleland indicated he hoped to start trial May 14.
In an unusual move, prosecutors are seeking a jury from outside Centre County, home of Penn State and a charity for children that Sandusky founded in 1977, The Second Mile.
Sandusky wants a jury made up of people who live in State College and the surrounding area, and Cleland had him testify to ensure that he was fully aware of the ramifications.
Sandusky said he was aware that he would not be able to launch an appeal, if he is convicted, on grounds the local jury was biased. Sandusky said there was not a viable alternative in Pennsylvania, where his case has been heavily reported.
"I don't believe that would matter, relative to any place (else) in this state," he testified.
Cleland could try to pick a local jury and see whether prosecution concerns are valid about the pervasive publicity and local ties to Penn State and The Second Mile, a charity for at-risk children that Sandusky founded, based in nearby State College.
Sandusky smiled as he answered the judge's questions, and after the session Amendola told reporters that his client's body language reflected his personality. Amendola said the charges have devastated Sandusky, however.
"This whole situation, being cast as a pedophile, has crippled him emotionally," he said.
Another issue, the defense's request for early disclosure of grand jury transcripts, received little attention in the courtroom, and afterward Sandusky defense lawyer Karl Rominger said it may end up being resolved by the judge who supervised the jury.
Both defense and prosecution said the mid-May trial date may not be realistic, given that the need for other pretrial issues to be ironed out. Amendola said he believes the case can be heard in two weeks, while prosecutors said a month is more likely.
The scandal led the Penn State trustees to push out university president Graham Spanier and football coach Joe Paterno, who died last month.
Two Penn State administrators are awaiting trial on charges they lied to a grand jury investigating Sandusky and failed to properly report suspected child abuse. Gary Schultz, a former vice president, and Tim Curley, the athletic director, have both denied the allegations.
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12:14 AM
wiredmama222 says
Well, Mr Sandusky got his way....he can now go out of his house, stand on his back patio and stare at the kids, despite the worry of his neighbors and the school.
He is also allowed to see his grandkids EXCEPT for the ones who are in litigation over the divorce of his children, they are off limits.
I cannot believe that ANY judge would allow this, but they announced it tonight. How sickening,. Money talks.
09:31 PM
DGMutley says
I don't know about that, NineMM. Bubba may take a dim view of this scumbag.
01:12 PM
NineMM says
If found guilty, which in all probability he will, he'll be having the time of his life......................................... The rest of it.
12:45 PM
katelih says
Yay....Sandusky is allowed to see some of his grandkids..Maybe now he will stop looking at OTHER peoples' grandkids..
11:00 AM
czechurself says
Not surprising behavior for an egoist with destructive narcissism. Most egotistical tendancies are to exploit the sympathy, irrationality or ignorance of others as well as utilize coersive force.
He is in an unremitting pursuit of and primarily motivated by his own self interest. With destructive narcissism he lacks normal inhibitions in his pursuits. Also he will show concern with a socially appropriate response at times (when convenient) and lacks remorse in exploiting and devalueing others.
He is completely delusional....just look at his poor me face in the picture. Textbook!!
08:58 PM
SarahTonin says
I just wish his last name was something like Huron or Castalia!
08:34 PM
FruGalSpender says
I've associated with thousands of young people over the years," said Sandusky, 68, he looks more like 88. look at all of those deep wrinkles.
06:06 PM
44846GWP says
Oh my! He is "watching children from his back deck"! Wow! What a crime! Can it lady, let the courts handle it. They sem to have their heads screwed on tight.
04:16 PM
wiredmama222 says
origen: the point IS his deck t faces a SCHOOL....it is "disrupting classes" and he is "watching children from his back deck". which is causing concern. I am sure you can understand that most parents at this point feel much concern.
I don't know what your person situation is. but as a mother and now grandmother, my children and grandchildren's welfare are my utmost concern. I would protect them to the ends of the earth and at the cost of my own life if necessary. I would not want them within eyesight of a SUSPECTED child molester at all, not even being watched by one.
As I stated, he should have been in jail, but because of fame and money, he was able to get house arrest. (probaby a good thing as he would have gotten the crap beaten out of him. "kiddie diddlers are the lowest form of criminals and they will beat the crap out of even suspected ones). Now he wants that changed. He simply doesn't get it.
It isn't sentiment of the public that will do him in. People have always protected children from people that will do them harm. No one has to whip them into a frenzy about anyone who would harm a child or molest them. The act alone does that.
While this man has yet to be proven guilty, the mere suspicion of what he has done creates a stigma and if nothing more, than for his OWN protection, it would be in his best interest to stay away from kids, stay indoors and keep quiet. I am sure his attorneys have advised him of that. So the courts did him a favor.
Right now his best bet is to stay inside, be quiet, do what he is told and stop complaining.
02:41 PM
origen says
@wired
The system has determined that he should be under house arest, The class argument aside, He should follow the courts ruling. The problem i see is people (And ive seen it first hand, The rhetoric) Are building this up where feelings run high and his neighbors are complaining over the top of the actual court rulings (Hes under house arrest but cant be on his porch?) If the court rules its against there ruling for him to be on the porch just lock him up, I dont like to see public opinion sway court cases that havent been tried or get riled up to the point like the LA riots. Its a fine line and yes children are involved which makes it a thinner line still.
02:08 PM
SamAdams says
Yes, Jerry Sandusky is presumed innocent until such time as a jury finds him guilty of any or all charges "beyond a reasonable doubt." Once a person is charged, though, they can be detained. Some are detained in jail, and some are detained under house arrest. Either way, "detained" is the operative word. If Sandusky is considered a flight risk (and as I recall, he is), he'll be monitored under the terms of his house arrest. If the nature of the charges imply that someone might represent some kind of a further danger in an uncontrolled setting, then that setting is controlled (and yes, Mr. Sandusky, in your case, that would include not being permitted to play or otherwise interact with children).
Nowhere in any documentation I've been able to find does it suggest that "house arrest" means anything but that. It does not mean you're free to walk your dog, go grocery shopping, work, or anything else that people not under house arrest take for granted. That translates to curbs on behavior, privileges, and liberties enjoyed by everyone who's not been indicted for one wrongdoing or another. That's only to be expected. And what your neighbors think of you at that point? Well, I'd have to say that's got to be pretty expected, too.
I actually happen to like my neighbors. But if evidence was sufficient to charge one of them with torturing animals, or another with burglarizing homes in somebody else's neighborhood, or yes, Mr. Sandusky, molesting children, I don't see how that wouldn't change my opinion of them even before any conviction. Where my animals, my kids, or those belongings I've worked hard to legally buy and possess are concerned, I'm going to err on the side of caution, thank you!
Meanwhile, Sandusky shoudl remember that house arrest is, in effect, jail (albeit quite a bit more private and comfortable for most). It's not intended to be a reward, nor is it supposed to put an alleged criminal's life back on track like nothing ever happened, at least until the trial. Sandusky is lucky he's not in a real jail. But I'm sure if he's dissatisfied with the terms of is house arrest, that might be arranged...
01:54 PM
wiredmama222 says
Origen....it looks like what you are saying is that this man is innocent and does not deserve to be away from his grandchildren. That until the courts say so, he should be afforded all his priviledges and rights without any restrictions.
If this had been an average joe on any street corner with these allegation he would have been in jail until trial. No house arrest, nothing more, nothing less. But because he can afford great legal service, he was given every opportunity to go home. This country stopped being fair when it started letting the rich supercede the poor where the law was concerned. The rich walk, the poor do time even before trial.
There is no mob rule here.....it is purely that when people see or hear that kids are involved in anything that has to do with a sexual crime and an adult, it gets them riled up....its normal behavior. This man will have his day in court. Until then he stand accused. He has no right to complain about anything or ask special priviledges just because he doesn't like the hand he has been dealt and he has the money to keep going to court.
So don't be surprised when a great many people who like and want to protect kids rally behind their right against that of a SUSPECTED AND ACCUSED child molester who complains about wanting to be near children and cannot. Until the courts rule on his guilt or innocence...he has no rights. It has nothing to do with mob rule and everything to do with right and wrong.
12:42 PM
origen says
@Donut
Personally i think he should be in jail, But the system has to work without going with the flow of popular opinion is what i am saying. Do you know the whole case or just what you have seen on TV? If any judge sees reason in a case that they can hold without bail they can and will, Peoples opinions on what should happends leads to mob rule, our society is so hyper sensitive to these cases that is where it is leading.
12:10 PM
donutshopguy says
origen,
Why don't you take him in to live with you and your family. Come on. Be the first to open your home to a pedophile. It's the right thing to do.
10:44 AM
kURTje says
Just as the small boy got graphic in his description about micheal jackon's penis blotches, so too is fairy Sandusky. Both had/have the $$$ for better legal counsel; though both did/will pay for the wrong they did Burn on .
09:21 AM
Pirate Mom says
The reason restrictions were placed on him is because children, including his grandchildren, need to be protected. These allegations were made and the court is going to do its job. Those who accuse were not protected. If Sandusky's rights as a citizen are curbed for now, children are being put first. If he is judged not guilty, then he can get his rights back. If just one child was abused by this man, all children are being protected by his restrictions. His words since the allegations show just how pathological he is. Sandusky truly doesn't believe what he's done was wrong, so the law must protect children. Better to err on the side of children. In prison, when his grandchildren visit him, they will be protected. Clearly, they were not safe in his home, even with his wife present.
09:01 AM
nofufucat says
I agree the man is innocent until proven guilty, however isn't it better to err for the protection of the children? Remember, the man that just murdered his own sons in that terrible fire in Washington State was only a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife. And there was some trepidation concerning his sons visiting him at his home. Looks like the fear was founded. Sandusky is not just a person of interest there's enough proof to have him arrested. And hopefully shortly a speedy trial.
08:37 AM
Phil Packer says
If I ever walked in on some scumbag raping a kid, I wouldn't just walk away and go tell someone. Don't these people have kids of their own? Didn't they want to kill this SOB?
07:23 AM
Cross says
It has nothing to do with mob rule. There is overwhelming evidence this man is a serial pedophile. Innocent until proven guilty is one thing, but the reason we lock people up or put them in jail is due to being arraigned by a grand jury and for the protection of the community. He'll get his day in court, and unlike many others without his financial means he is not having to be in jail.01:28 AM
origen says
Yep, mob rule, Guess america isnt the best place to get a fair anything. He has yet to be proven guilty folks, My personal feelings aside he should be given at least a fair trial before you string him up, Unless this is the way you expect society to act at every accusation let the system work. ( when he is found guilty string him up, But till then he at least deserves the same expectaions of the law you would.)
12:46 AM
wiredmama222 says
Go whine to someone who cares!!!! I would be with the daughter in law who does NOT want to allow more time and visits with him. Who in the right mind would want this man around their children knowing what they know right now???? I sure wouldn't
He should get no special privileges at all. I just don't get why these people think they are so special? That the law and rules do not apply to them. Have they been breathing rarified air so long they believe their own hype????
Get it in your head, Jerry....you have been accused of a SEX CRIME and until you go to trial you are a cooked goose. Oh, preach to me about being "innocent until proven guilty" on this and I will come unglued! Not where children are concerned....not in the world where kids are.
This man just doesn't get it. Sorry, no sympathy in this port.....move on
12:12 AM
DGMutley says
Sandusky has been charged with 40 criminal counts, accusing him of serial sex abuse of minors.
Timeline-- (from Huffington Post)
1969 – Jerry Sandusky starts his coaching career at Penn State University as a defensive line coach.
1977 – Jerry Sandusky founds The Second Mile. It begins as a group foster home dedicated to helping troubled boys and grows into a charity dedicated to helping children with absent or dysfunctional families.
January 1983 – Associated Press voters select Penn State as college football's national champion for the 1982 season.
January 1987 – Associated Press voters select Penn State as college football's national champion for the 1986 season.
1994 – Boy known as Victim 7 in the report meets Sandusky through The Second Mile program at about the age of 10.
1994-95 – Boy known as Victim 6 meets Sandusky at a Second Mile picnic at Spring Creek Park when he is 7 or 8 years old.
1995-96 – Boy known as Victim 5, meets Sandusky through The Second Mile when he is 7 or 8, in second or third grade.
1996-97 – Boy known as Victim 4, at the age of 12 or 13, meets Sandusky while he is in his second year participating in The Second Mile program.
1996-98 – Victim 5 is taken to the locker rooms and showers at Penn State by Sandusky when he is 8 to 10 years old.
Jan. 1, 1998 – Victim 4 is listed, along with Sandusky's wife, as a member of Sandusky's family party for the 1998 Outback Bowl.
1998 – Victim 6 is taken into the locker rooms and showers when he is 11 years old. When Victim 6 is dropped off at home, his hair is wet from showering with Sandusky. His mother reports the incident to the university police, who investigate.
Detective Ronald Schreffler testifies that he and State College Police Department Detective Ralph Ralston, with the consent of the mother of Victim 6, eavesdrop on two conversations the mother of Victim 6 has with Sandusky. Sandusky says he has showered with other boys and Victim 6's mother tries to make Sandusky promise never to shower with a boy again but he will not. At the end of the second conversation, after Sandusky is told he cannot see Victim 6 anymore, Schreffler testifies Sandusky says, "I understand. I was wrong. I wish I could get forgiveness. I know I won't get it from you. I wish I were dead."
Jerry Lauro, an investigator with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, testifies he and Schreffler interviewed Sandusky, and that Sandusky admits showering naked with Victim 6, admits to hugging Victim 6 while in the shower and admits that it was wrong.
The case is closed after then-Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar decides there will be no criminal charge.
June 1999 – Sandusky retires from Penn State but still holds emeritus status.
Dec. 28, 1999 – Victim 4 is listed, along with Sandusky's wife, as a member of Sandusky's family party for the 1999 Alamo Bowl.
Summer 2000 – Boy known as Victim 3 meets Sandusky through The Second Mile when he is between seventh and eighth grade.
Fall 2000 – A janitor named James Calhoun observes Sandusky in the showers of the Lasch Football Building with a young boy, known as Victim 8, pinned up against the wall, performing oral sex on the boy. He tells other janitorial staff immediately. Fellow Office of Physical Plant employee Ronald Petrosky cleans the showers at Lasch and sees Sandusky and the boy, who he describes as being between the ages of 11 and 13.
Calhoun tells other physical plant employees what he saw, including Jay Witherite, his immediate supervisor. Witherite tells him to whom he should report the incident. Calhoun was a temporary employee and never makes a report. Victim 8's identity is unknown.
March 1, 2002 – A Penn State graduate assistant enters the locker room at the Lasch Football Building. In the showers, he sees a naked boy, known as Victim 2, whose age he estimates to be 10 years old, being subjected to anal intercourse by a naked Sandusky. The graduate assistant tells his father immediately.
March 2, 2002 – In the morning, the graduate assistant calls Coach Joe Paterno and goes to Paterno's home, where he reports what he has seen.
March 3, 2002 – Paterno calls Tim Curley, Penn State Athletic Director to his home the next day and reports a version of what the grad assistant had said.
March 2002 – Later in the month the graduate assistant is called to a meeting with Curley and Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz. The grad assistant reports what he has seen and Curley and Schultz say they will look into it.
March 27, 2002 (approximate) – The graduate assistant hears from Curley. He is told that Sandusky's locker room keys are taken away and that the incident has been reported to The Second Mile. The graduate assistant is never questioned by university police and no other entity conducts an investigation until the graduate assistant testifies in Grand Jury in December 2010.
2005-2006 – Boy known as Victim 1 says that meets Sandusky through The Second Mile at age 11 or 12.
Spring 2007 – During the 2007 track season, Sandusky begins spending time with Victim 1 weekly, having him stay overnight at his residence in College Township, Pa.
Spring 2008 – Termination of contact with Victim 1 occurs when he is a freshman in a Clinton County high school. After the boy's mother calls the school to report sexual assault, Sandusky is barred from the school district attended by Victim 1 from that day forward and the matter is reported to authorities as mandated by law.
Early 2009 – An investigation by the Pennsylvania attorney general begins when a Clinton County, Pa. teen boy tells authorities that Sandusky has inappropriately touched him several times over a four-year period.
September 2010 – Sandusky retires from day-to-day involvement with The Second Mile, saying he wants to spend more time with family and handle personal matters.
Nov. 5, 2011 – Sandusky is arrested and released on $100,000 bail after being arraigned on 40 criminal counts.
Nov. 7, 2011 – Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly says Paterno is not a target of the investigation into how the school handled the accusations. But she refuses to say the same for university President Graham Spanier. Curley and Schultz, who have stepped down from their positions, surrender on charges that they failed to alert police to complaints against Sandusky.
Nov. 8, 2011 – Possible ninth victim of Sandusky contacts state police as calls for ouster of Paterno and Spanier grow in state and beyond. Penn State abruptly cancels Paterno's regular weekly press conference.
Nov. 9, 2011 – Paterno and Spanier, one of the nation's longest-serving college presidents, are ousted, effective immediately. Earlier in the day, Paterno announced he'd retire at the end of the season. In the end, he didn't have that choice.
10:43 PM
Just a Girl says
Yes, Sandusky and his fans are lamenting his house arrest, the lost sports dollars etc. Boo, hoo.Who is lamenting the young men and boys who have to live the rest of their lives with the memory of his abuse? Innocent until proven guilty? Do you really think all of these victims conspired to come up with a lie to sully this man? Their testimony is too detailed, and let's not forget the occasions he was caught in the act. His lawyer is too stupid to stop him from giving interviews-Sandusky is condemning himself. "I had to teach the boys about personal hygiene." And his sad wife is defending him too. Yes the dear staff of Penn State reported him, to whom? Not the police!
08:49 PM
FruGalSpender says
What happened to "Inocent until proven guilty in a court of law"? why do people go to jail before their day in court? more like guilty until proven innocent.
07:43 PM
44846GWP says
What happened to "Inocent until proven guilty in a court of law"?
04:46 PM
katelih says
Well...Maybe he should be in jail, so he can have MORE rights.
04:29 PM
Kottage Kat says
Gee, Jerry and you want me to feel sorry for you, why? Kat
04:24 PM
Amythe K says
Poor old Jer..unfairly labeled and cast as a pedophile! Aww! Cant throw a stick to your dog off your big fancy deck? If you are not proven guilty in a court of law ,then you can belllyache about how miseable house arrest is in your Country Club Estate. Until then, have the decency to keep quiet and lay low and give your family and neighbors a chance to grieve and heal. The more you talk the more you reveal your egocentrism and pathological thinking.
04:15 PM
PHS Guy says
Does this child molesting pervert really expect people to feel sorry for him?