Jerry Sandusky Granted Permission to See Grandchildren

Jerry Sandusky has not been the recipient of good news as of late. However, today the accused child molester’s defense team accomplished a few small victories. The former Penn State assistant football coach is currently serving a home confinement order as part of his bail. Sandusky’s trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 14^th, according to the Washington Post. The prosecution in this case had requested that the trial be moved outside of Centre County, where Penn State is located. The prosecution felt that the counties strong ties to the university would make up a biased jury. However, Judge John Cleland ruled against the request. The trial will not be relocated.

The second triumph of the day for Sandusky is that Judge Cleland

granted Sandusky’s request for permission to see his grandchildren, reported by the Washington Post.

In Sandusky’s original conditions of his house arrest, he was forbidden contact with all 11 of his grandchildren. Cleland’s ruling eases Sandusky’s house arrest conditions, as described by USA Today. Sandusky will be allowed visiting rights with eight of his grandchildren while under supervision of their parents.

Sandusky will also be allowed visits from adult friends, and, as long as a probation coordinator approves, may leave his house for meetings with his attorneys and private investigators that are involved in the defense of his case.

According to CNN, a request that Sandusky’s house arrest conditions should require him to remain indoors was also denied by Cleland. The request had been raised due to concerns from neighbors and teachers at a nearby elementary school. However, today’s ruling stated that the state “failed to present any evidence whatsoever that (Sandusky) presents a clearly defined threat to any student at the adjoining elementary school simply by being on his deck.”

Another request that jurors in Sandusky’s trial be selected from outside of Centre County was also denied.

Sandusky’s house arrest began in December after being charged with sexually abusing children throughout a 15-year period. He is alleged to have committed 52 sexual offenses.

Photo by Matthew Lukens.