Jerry Sandusky Gets Home-County Jury

BELLEFONTE, Pa. - The judge in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case rules the former Penn State football coach can see his grandchildren while under house arrest and get a Centre County jury.

The announcement from Judge John M. Cleland came after a hearing Friday morning at which Sandusky requested more lenient bail conditions.

Prosecutors wanted stricter bail restrictions and an out-of-county jury.

Cleland asked Sandusky during a preliminary hearing if he understood that the jury-selection decision couldn't be reversed once it was made. Sandusky said he understood.

Defense attorney Joe Amendola asked that Sandusky be allowed to have his grandchildren visit while in the company of other adults.

Cleland ruled Sandusky can see eight of his 11 grandchildren, which range in age from two to 14. Three of his grandchildren are the subject of a custody dispute, and the mother objects to the kids going to visit Sandusky.

Cleland deferred to the custody court on whether those three children will be permitted to visit.

Cleland, who has scheduled a tentative trial date of May 14, also said Sandusky can provide a list of 12 adults that will be allowed to visit him at his home. Sandusky will also be allowed to leave his house for meetings with his defense lawyers.

Prosecutors complained Friday about Sandusky being outside on his deck, which is in view of an elementary school, arguing it was disruptive to students. Cleland, however, refused to bar Sandusky from going out on his deck.

Cleland also denied the prosecution's request for a jury to be selected from outside Centre County.

"The presumption should be in favor of at least making an effort to select a fair and impartial jury in the county where the defendant has been charged," said Cleland in his written order.

Sandusky, 68, denies charges of sexually assaulting 10 boys over a 15-year period.

While preparing for a trial that will see Sandusky face his accusers, the defense had asked Cleland to force prosecutors to turn over more information about the allegations of sexual abuse.

Prosecutors had already supplied the names of each accuser, but Amendola asked for the specific dates and locations of each instance of alleged abuse and the exact age of the victim at the time of each instance of abuse.

Cleland granted those requests, saying if prosecutors cannot provide the information they must explain the reasons to the defendant.

Cleland denied the defense's request for the prosecution to "specify the particular acts giving rise" to the charges, and said prosecutors do not have to turn over names, addresses and dates of birth of witnesses to the alleged sexual abuse.