Sandusky makes plea to visit his grandchildren

Former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky asked a judge to ease his bail restrictions so he can visit friends and his grandchildren.

This morning in Centre County Court, prosecutors from the Attorney General’s office strongly opposed the request.

Attorney General Linda Kelly said some of the alleged sex abuse happened in Sandusky’s basement.

She said his home isn’t a safe place for children.

It was a day of legal maneuvering. 

Sandusky’s attorney demanded more evidence from the prosecution, including more details on the alleged sex abuse victims.

The prosecution pushed for an out-of-county jury.

Judge John Cleland promised a quick ruling and he did set a tentative trial date of May 14^th.

After the hearing, Jerry Sandusky stood in front of a podium and spoke to reporters for about three minutes.

Sandusky maintained his innocence, “Now all of a sudden these people turn on me when they’ve been in my home with their kids, when they’ve attended birthday parties, when they’ve been on that deck, when their kids have been playing in my yard, and when their kids have been sled riding, when they’ve asked to sled ride at our home. It’s difficult for me to understand to be honest.”

6 News obtained video of Sandusky sitting on his back porch.

Neighbors expressed concern, saying Sandusky is watching children on the school playground.

Lemont Elementary borders the Sandusky property.

State College Area School District officials said they are working with police to ensure the safety of students and staff and so far there have been no problems.

Prosecutors said the current house arrest conditions should be considered a privilege, and asked that the current bail term be tightened up to keep Sandusky in his house.

Defense Attorney Joe Amendola defended his client, “He’s being treated exactly the same way by the system.  Unfortunately, however, he’s being treated much worse by the outside folks involved in the community.”

Amendola told the judge that in order for Sandusky to receive a fair trial they must pick jurors from the State College area.

Prosecutors questioned what happens if one of the jurors recognizes an alleged victim when he takes the stand.

Judge Cleland reserved a decision but said the location of the alleged crimes will not be a deciding factor it selecting a jury. 

He said it must be about “fairness and impartiality”.