Closing arguments set to begin for Sandusky child sex abuse trial; Jury could start deliberating today

The judge overseeing Jerry Sandusky’s child sex abuse trial has thrown out three of the 51 charges, leaving the former Penn State assistant football coach still facing 48 counts.

Judge John Cleland has dismissed two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse related to the alleged sexual abuse of an accuser known as Victim 4. Cleland says the charges did not bear out what testimony revealed.

The judge also dismissed a count that he says was the same as another charge.

Sandusky arrived at court with his wife Dottie this morning. The jury was poised to hear closing arguments Thursday, and jurors could start meeting behind closed doors by this afternoon weighing Sandusky’s fate.

The former Penn State University assistant football coach is charged with 51 criminal counts for alleged sexual assaults on 10 boys over a 15-year span. The 68-year-old could spend the rest of his life in state prison if convicted.

Last week, the jury heard from eight accusers who claim Sandusky abused them. The defense countered with character witnesses and sought to portray investigators as planting the seeds of those abuse reports during interviews with the alleged victims.

Court officials said they are still finalizing plans, but most likely, when the jury reaches a verdict, 85 members of the public will be allowed back in to hear it on a first-come, first-served basis.

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