Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky appeared in court today to address modifications to his bail restrictions. Additionally, a trial date was tentatively set for May 14.
As we’ve noted in the weeks leading up to Sandusky’s court appearance, a couple major requests were on the line. First, Sandusky has asked that he be given greater flexability in his house arrest so that he may see his grandchildren and leave his home to help work on his case.
Sandusky said his grandchildren have expressed their desire to spend time with him. That time, Sandusky added in the written request, would be monitored by others.
“Our home has been open for 27 years to all kinds of people,” Sandusky told reporters outside a Centre County courthouse. “Now I can’t take my dog on my deck and throw out biscuits to him.”
Prosecutors on the case, as well as one daughter-in-law, strongly objected to the request. Additionally, some of Sandusky’s neighbors have complained that Sandusky was watching children play -- his house overlooks a school -- from his porch and have asked for tighter restrictions on his bail rules.
“This home was not safe for children for 15 years, and it’s not safe for children now,” said state prosecutor Jonelle Eshbach.
Prosecutors have also asked for an out-of-county jury selection, to which Sandusky’s lawyer has opposed. The judge said he would rule quickly on the aforementioned subject matters.