The bail restrictions given to former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky have been modified following a scheduled hearing on Friday. Likely to the discomfort of some and outrage of others, Sandusky has been granted certain privileges.
Centre County judge John Cleland ruled Monday that Sandusky will be allowed to see his grandchildren under specific guidelines, as was requested by Sandusky in a written document late last month. Sandusky will be able to visit with his grandchildren in his home provided a parent is present at all times. Sandusky will also be allowed to communicate with his grandchildren via telephone, emails or video chat.
That ruling is still pending for three grandchildren, for whom another judge is hearing a custody battle.
Additionally:
- Sandusky is allowed to spend time with outside visitors, selected from a list of 12, but they must be approved by his probation office and will be limited to visitation restrictions -- two hours, three times a week.
- Sandusky can leave the confines of his home and sit on his back porch. That porch overlooks an elementary school playground, and prosecutors said Friday that allowing Sandusky to sit outside would be a distraction for the school and the children. Neighbors of Sandusky had complained about Sandusky being able to sit outside while children played.
- Sandusky can leave his home altogether to assist his defense team provided he notifies his probation office 38 hours in advance and provides a complete itinerary of the events.
Also, the following motions were denied:
- Prosecutors’ request to select a jury for Sandusky’s trial, tentatively set for May 14, from outside Centre County.
- Sandusky’s request to have transcripts of witnesses who testified before the grand jury released. Cleland said the judge overseeing the grand jury would have to make that ruling. However, Cleland encouraged prosecutors to work with the supervising judge to “develop a procedure to provide the subject transcripts to the defendant on a schedule which balances the appropriate interests of maintaining the secrecy of the grand jury while still assuring the trial can proceed without unnecessary disruption.”
Sandusky is facing over 50 counts of child sex charges from 10 alleged victims.
(Tip of the cap: Patriot-News)