E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSNBC's Michael Isikoff reports.
Jerry Sandusky walked out of a courthouse Friday where a judge was considering whether to let him see his relatives and friends while he awaits trial on child sex-abuse charges and told reporters Friday he felt people have turned on him.
The judge could rule early next week on Sandusky's request for greater freedom, including supervised visits with his grandchildren, but Sandusky said he felt people who had been welcomed in his home were now trying to keep him confined indoors. He denies the criminal allegations.
"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.
Jerry Sandusky (left), former Penn State defensive coordinator, arrives at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Feb. 10, 2012. Sandusky is facing charges of child sexual abuse.
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.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News
- Obama revamps contraceptive policy
- District paid teacher in LA abuse scandal to settle
- Super PAC supporting Ron Paul is run by a 9/11 truther
- Gulf of Mexico? Try 'Gulf of America'
Leave a Comment:
This is long overdue.
If only Joe Paterno had been a real man instead of a selfish brute willing to keep mum while a serial pedophile practiced his "craft" for decades.
Were Paterno Christ himself, I would not respect his cowardice.
He sits on his deck watching school children while under 'house arrest'?
And he can't imagine why people might have problems with that. The man is clueless.
Let's get this done and over with. Try him and if he's guilty, fry him. Our judicial system gets it right MOST of the time. Let us all hope this is one of those times. Hope JoePa rests in peace, while those whose fault this really is suffers the torment they deserve.
Couldn't agree more, Realist. The powers that be at Penn State made a real scapegoat out of Mr. Paterno. Joe reported it. It was up to those who heard this from him to investigate it and take the necessary steps to stop it and send Sandusky where he needed to be a long time ago - behind bars and away from kids. Where were they and what happened to them when this broke wide open??? I'll say it again. Betting that Joe was told "We're handling this. It's not for you to worry about".
Every single person involved in the case who knew that this was going on should be in jail. ANYONE who didn't report this to the police is complicit in every single instance of molestation that occurred after it was initially reported to the coaches. What did the top people say, "Hey, Joe, don't worry, we told him to stop being a pederast and he agreed"? He made the choice to not inform police and protect children, all for the sake of Penn State football. It was his decision. I do feel sorry for his family, but he gets no sympathy from me.
Oh again you broken record Paterno apologists. You Penn Staters have said for years "No one is above Joe at Penn State". "Joe is Penn State". Now we are to believe that he was just a football coach and didn't have any control at Penn State.
I am not saying Joe had anything to do with this other than turning a blind eye and ignoring an employee was doing something nefarious in HIS football complex.
chefaz-1319563- wake up and don't be so stupid. your quote
I'll say it again. Betting that Joe was told "We're handling this. It's not for you to worry about".
This is the double standard that Penn State supporters love. The men Joe told about Sandusky tried to fire him in 2008 and he told them no get off my porch. So know you want the world to believe that Joe had no power held no sway and just took what bs line they fed them. You and all of your other cronies love to forget this.
Since we are speculating I bet Joe told them "You guys do whatever it takes to cover this up. I will just play dumb and tell everyone I knew nothing about it. We can't have this ruin Penn State, my reputation or my place in footbal history."
kingcabo, you have missed my point entirely. It would also appear that you have not followed this case. Joe Paterno was told this information by Mike McQueary who witnessed this. Joe never witnessed anything but he did report what was told to him to school officials. Officials that were in charge of Penn State's campus police. Here's one link since it's obvious you need the information.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/9478683-418/penn-states-mcqueary-i-told-paterno-i-saw-sandusky-with-boy.html
Take your name calling back to junior high. Reported as inflammatory.
Once again the Paterno apologists make the truth fit their own needs. NO ONE was above Paterno at Penn State Your kind have boasted this for decades. What Joe said went. I am not saying Mcqueary is blameless either. I am saying that Joe Paterno was head of the table. As a leader of men a self proclaimed educator he had just as much if not greater responsibility to ensure the "proper" authorities... not the campus police were notified. Joe Paterno was well known for the claim that nothing went on at Penn State let alone in the football program hat he did not know about.
As far as your junior high comment. Grow up you child. I said dont be stupid. I did not call you stupid but I am rethinking my position on your mental capacity.
Obvious that you did not look at the link or your reading comprehension skills are in serious need of an overhaul.
A Paterno apologist I'm not. What would you have had him do that he had not already done??? AGAIN Joe reported this to officials who were in charge of the campus police.
and the difference between
and this
would be what???
Back to name calling again.
You're off to a great start for someone that just started here a month ago, unless you're a re-reg of someone. Stop wasting my time. Bash away, if you like. I am interested in respectful discussion. I have zero interest or tolerance for someone with half facts.
A Grand Jury felt enough evidence was presented to charge and arrest Sandusky. He is to be innocent until proven guilty. There is also the task of protecting our young. In this case, in PA, it's like closing the barn door after all the animals have fled.
He's out on bond and house arrest. He's been accused of raping young boys. He's been seen doing just that.
It made me want to puke, reading his attorney's statement- "This whole situation, being cast as a pedophile, has crippled him emotionally," he said
Boo fu$&*ng hoo. Poor Sandusky being crippled emotionally. If he's being crippled emotionally by being forced to stay away from 10 year old boys, he's in for a real shock when the State of PA and a jury of his peers, throws his pedophile butt in a state prison where he needs to spend the rest of his life.
How many lives does this man get to ruin?
chefaz, I checked out that Sun-Times link you provided and found this:
"Mike was upset" so Paterno didn't "press for details." And you suggested reading this in Paterno's defense?
I guess we need more direct quotes from the link:
How much detail do you need to know that something sick, twisted and horrible was going on???
Once again, Paterno reported this even though he did not witness this.
From all of this useless banter back and forth over an agreement with another poster and opinion that I obviously had the temerity to post, it's gotten lost in the shuffle that Sandusky is the subject.
So you think that Mr. Paterno is to blame??? I don't and if I thought that he was, I'd have no problem saying so.
Do I think Paterno is to blame? No. Is he accountable for the subsequent molestations? Yes. At least morally if not legally. Paterno admitted he knew the severity of the abuse yetdid nothing to prevent Sandusky from using school facilities where further abuse could, and did, take place. That was his responsibility, no one else's. He's even said he "wished he had done more to help those kids."
Being the winningest coach was more important than busting his child molesting assistant coach. Protecting children from rape would have put his award in jeopardy.
Do you share those priorities?
chef you say you have no respect for someone with half facts but yet in the post I originally responded you say this
I'll say it again. Betting that Joe was told "We're handling this. It's not for you to worry about".
Is this fact?
I do not have to read an article from the Sun Times to discover the facts of the case. I have read the GJ presentment maybe you should read it.
Again I did not say Joe was at fault. I merely pointed out that after decades of PSU fans boasting that Joe built PSU Joe ran PSU No one tells Joe what to do at PSU They tried to fire Joe and he told them to get lost... after all that talk for DECADES he does not get to hide behind the bs excuse that he told his superiors and his hands were tied. I am saying as a leader of the community the educator and leader of young men a man whose motto was Victory with Honor Joe Paterno needed to do more.
I would love to hear your answer to the question posed by RevSpinnaker... but I guess that will never happen
Chef--You made Paterno the subject of this discussion by posting your comments that Paterno was a scapegoat. This article was about Jerry Sandusky. Realist-1451414 only said he hopes Joe can rest in peace. But you took the opportunity to martyr your sacred cow and just could not stand the fact not everyone believes Paterno is guiltless.
If you want to blame someone for this going off the topic of the Sandusky case look in the mirror.
They're compalining about the guy looking at children from his own home? Some people need to back off and collect their wits. What's he supposed to do walk around his house with his eyes closed? You can't tell the man what to look at. Stop being ridiculous.
I am wondering if the neighbors were up in arms about him being out on his patio/deck brushing his dog before this all broke.
then revoke his bail and put him in jail until trial.
If you don't have a problem with him watching children from his deck, I'll bet both nuts you don't have a problem letting him watch your children/grandchildren. Right?
I have two kids, and if I found out a suspected pedophile was watching them when they were outside playing, I would be upset too!
Does the recent headline on Josh Powell in Washington State not ring a bell?
Why do these courts continue to let known pedophiles visit kids. Are these judges NUTS!!!!!
Hey Sandusky, take your own bar of soap to prison.
This should be a good way for some parents of disadvantage children to make some money. He touched little Joe, where is a civil attorney to sue the school?
Shocking!?? A known child sexual offender's only request is to see some children. I don't care if its his grandkids or not. The kids he molested were also close to him. This dude don't care who it is. He just wants his fix.
Q. When does Jerry Sandusky take a shower?
A. When the big hand touches the little hand.
Along with Sandusky... I've been hoping that the other cowardly punk "McQueery" is in line for "appropriate Karma" for "enabling Jerry Sandusky" to continue showering with his adolescent friend.
McQueery is THE "poster child" for an absolute COWARDLY punk.
Both of these cowardly perverted scum deserve to spend their time in among the "general population" at one of America's nastiest, most violent and most deadly prisons.
I also hope he does NOT get killed... but instead, lives a long, slow life of painful abuse, misery and suffering, all complemented by some unique STD's.
To all you Joe Paterno haters-You guys are just jealous because Joe is still the best coach ever.No other coach has coached for almost 60 years.Infact I'm positive that most of the other football coaches have done much more terrible things than Joe.You just don't know about them yet.Joe Paterno will live on forever!
@ Random:
That's because people like you, and Joe Paterno et al., don't report them.
@ Random,
This is a stretch but let me guess.....Penn state Alum!!!!
Hey Sandusky, no one feels sorry for you so stop wasting your breath. You are a liar and story teller, can't wait till you're behind bars with your own kind.
Being a Pennsylvanian, I attest to the statement that Joe Paterno WAS Penn State. When anyone mentioned PS, Joe Pa and football was the subject. Joe Pa was not a god or the best of anything. He was just lucky, smart, rich, and talented. Be assured he could have stopped the pedophile in his tracks. Sandusky would have disappeared to another state if Joe Pa would have ordered it. McCreary is disgusting and never should have left the campus without getting that boy away from Sandusky and waiting for the REAL police to arrive. I hope he drops a bar of soap in prison too. Sandusky's statement today made me sick. It is wrong that he is even being allowed to live under his own roof let alone have contact with children (even his own grandchildren) or watch children at a school. CREEP!!! I have read the grand jury testimony myself. Classic pedophile = Jerry Sandusky. Lock him up and throw away the key! Lastly, I do not feel any sympathy for his wife. She knew he was a monster but she didn't have the guts to do anything about it either. Ask yourselves one QUESTION- would you let him watch your child unsupervised? My guess is NO unless you are as equally sick as Sandusky.
Amendola says: ""This whole situation, being cast as a pedophile, has crippled him emotionally." I have to disagree. Being caught and shown for what he really is, instead of what he pretended to be for all these years, is what Sandusky can't take.
I hope the judge only allows him to see grandchildren that are 15 or 16 and can make their own decision. He is going to be away from them for the rest of his life so why try for visitation now? It will only confuse the children. Perhaps they can SKYPE. If the judge allows the children so see him then let the in-law parent make the decision not the Sandusky adult parent.
I'm amazed that even after the kid in the shower stated there was no sexual contact,the nine other accusers refused to take lie detectors,and the fact that there has never been any proof or evidence against Sandusky,people don't realize that this is just a bunch of people trying to get money.How stupid can the public be.It's seems very obvious to me.And I don't like Penn State!
Ron: Where's your "proof or evidence" about lie detectors and denial of sexual contact? We haven't heard a single word from the victims.
Are you sure your not thinking of Fine in the Syracuse case?
Yea, JoePa notified the authorities after the McQueery incident. But he continued to let Sandusky run the Second Mile & be around kids & still bring them on the PSU campus. Why did he let this scumbag CONTINUE to be around kids in ANY capacity ? All the Joe supporters say "oh, It wasn't Joe who let him back on the campus". That doesn't matter, Joe knew about him & could have stopped it. Quote from JoePa: " I wish I would have done more"- Why didn't you ? - " I don't know".....
Ron- No proof or evidence ? Your'e joking, right ?
Then Joe was aghast & could not really understand that men raped boys & was naive to homosexuality & pedophilia. He obviously ignored scandal after scandal in the Catholic church, his religion of choice.
Paterno ignored a lot of things. I was just thinking, I wonder if the word "ignorant" comes from the word "ignore."
Poor Jerry- " People have turned on me". This guy is F*cking delusional !
Wow tryntosmile, I was thinking the exact same thing; even before I read your coment. Simple and to the point! Good job!
The fact that kids can see his patio is nonsense, he has been there feeding his dog for 15 years, only no one knew he was a pedophile, he is under house arrest, my feeling is he will not go to trial. He deserves all he shall get, and as the time gets closer, Gerry will become more scared, especially when he has to do time in a Federal Penn, with his new following of football players who want to play tackle and wrestle with Jerry. I would not allow him out, and put him under surveillance and suicide watch for his own well being. His wife can bring the dog over and open a window so he car throw out the biscuits. The fact that this guy does not understand why his neighbors are scared of him now, and were in his house before they knew what he had done for years, indicates he is nuts. the late Joe Paterno and the entire upper echelon of Penn State are responsible for what took place. If someone would of molested Scott Paterno as a kid, do you think Joe Paterno would of tolerated it!!!!!!!, something would of been done stat! Jerry is a sick man who will be held accountable either here, or by a higher authority.
I have to marvel at Sandusky's attorney's statement, "were he in jail, he would have certain rights to have visitors." Maybe he should ask the judge to send him to jail so he can have the visitors he wants.