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Judge in Pittsburgh dismisses 'frivolous' request for Sandusky restraining order
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A federal judge in Pittsburgh is the latest member of the federal judiciary to weigh in on a prank motion alleging abuse at the hands of Jerry Sandusky.
Someone using the name "Jonathan Harris" and claiming to be the nephew of former Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris filed a request today for a restraining order against Mr. Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach convicted last week of molesting boys.
The motion, filed without an attorney, is similar to other motions filed in federal courts this week and last in Wisconsin, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
As did several judges in those districts, U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer has dismissed the request as frivolous.
She also threatened that the perpetrator faces possible sanctions and criminal penalties.
Federal courts "resolve serious disputes between litigants," she said, "and individuals who file such patently frivolous actions may be subject to sanctions by the court and potential prosecutions. As such, this matter will be referred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation."
Federal prosecutors are examining the issue.
First Published June 28, 2012 4:27 pm
