Cleland Denies Most of AG's Motions

Judge John Cleland says Jerry Sandusky can see some of his grandchildren while he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges, and that the jury for that trial can be chosen from Centre County.

Cleland ruled this morning on the motions that were argued Friday.

He ruled that Sandusky can see all but three of his 11 grandchildren, but only when they are supervised by the childrens’ parents. The three he can’t see are the subject of custody litigation.

Prosecutors had sought to have Sandusky confined to his home after hearing complaints from neighbors that he was standing on his back porch watching children from a nearby elementary school, but Cleland denied that request.

The attorney general's office also wanted an out-of-county jury for trial. In his ruling Cleland said selecting a jury from Centre County will present its challenges. He added that, if after a reasonable attempt to pick a local jury is unsuccessful, he will reconsider his ruling.

Sandusky is accused of abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period. He denies the allegations.

Cleland also ordered the attorney general's office to disclose the ages of the children at the time prosecutors say the crimes occurred, and the times, dates and locations of the alleged encounters. He denied Sandusky’s request for prosecutors to disclose the names, addresses and birthdates of witnesses, according to the Centre County media information website.

Sandusky's lawyer Joe Amendola says the former assistant coach and his family are happy about the ruling.

"Jerry, Dottie, and their entire family are very relieved by and pleased with the court's decision," Amendola said in a written statement.



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