Sandusky speaks out on former friends
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BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- After a state investigator told a Centre County judge that Jerry Sandusky's neighbors are concerned for their children's safety when they see him outside, the former Penn State assistant football coach walked down the courthouse steps to give his side of the story.
A dazed-looking Mr. Sandusky told reporters he feels that those former friends -- whose children would go sledding and celebrate birthdays with his children -- have turned on him.
"Our home has been open for 27 years to all kinds of people," he said. "Now, all of a sudden, because of allegations and perceptions that have been created of me, I can't take our dog on my deck and throw out biscuits to him."
The former coach is on house arrest as he awaits trial for charges that he sexually abused 10 boys he befriended through The Second Mile, the nonprofit organization for at-risk youths that he founded, over a 15-year period.
A tentative trial date of May 14 was set by the court Friday. His defense lawyer, Joe Amendola, asked during those proceedings that the 68-year-old's grandchildren and close friends be allowed to visit.
Prosecutors opposed that request for visitors, citing concerns raised from neighbors and officials at a nearby elementary school, which borders Mr. Sandusky's yard. Several neighbors have videotaped him outside on his deck with his dog, Bo, and submitted their tapes to state investigators.
"The community had no say on whether Sandusky was placed among them, and clearly they're discomforted that he's there," said Senior Deputy Attorney General Jonelle Eshbach, who described the Sandusky home as "not safe for children."
Mr. Amendola argued that if Mr. Sandusky was awaiting trial in jail, he would be allowed some visitors for limited periods. He described his client as being "on an island" and brokenhearted over not being able to see his family.
First Published February 11, 2012 12:00 am
