Sandusky Wants House Arrest Restrictions Relaxed
By: Joe Holden
Updated: February 8, 2012
State College, Centre County -- All new accusations of questionable behavior are lobbed at accused child sex predator Jerry Sandusky. In an eight page filing, the state Attorney General's Office raises some red flags on the former Penn State coach.
Of the most damning information tonight being filed by the state prosecutors is word some of Jerry Sandusky's own grandchildren need counseling as a result of having contact with him. That's according to information from Sandusky's ex-daughter-in law who objects to any request that her children visit with the alleged sex predator.
And prosecutors have raised a new issue as Jerry Sandusky fights to be allowed to have friends and his grandchildren over his house, and travel about Centre County to help his defense team prepare his case --- prosecutors now allege Sandusky has been seen repeatedly near an elementary school and playground that borders his house.
Teachers and his neighbors are apparently alarmed and claim Sandusky watches school children from his backyard deck. The former assistant coach is under house arrest charged with 52 counts of sexual offenses against children.
Last month, his attorneys asked the court to relax some of the restrictions he's under, and modify his bail arrangements.
But state prosecutors bristle at Sandusky's request in an eight page response filed Tuesday. They write some of the alleged abuse happened right in Sandusky's home, while his wife was there.
Prosecutors say nothing has changed which would render the household now safe. And on the request to have some friends over, prosecutors wrote, "The Commonwealth believes the defendant should be in jail. He has been granted the privilege of being confined in his own home, which is spacious and private and where he can eat food of his own preference and sleep in his own bed at night. House arrest is not meant to be a house party."
Ten days ago Joe Amendola spoke to us about why the court should grant his client's request. "So, we're hopeful that the judge, after hearing testimony and details from Jerry's children that he'll allow Jerry to have contact with his grandchildren," he told Eyewitness News.
And state attorneys also point out that other defendants charged with similar crimes are usually in jail and cannot assist attorneys in building their case.
An email sent to Joe Amendola requesting comment was not returned. This all comes to a head at a hearing on Friday. State prosecutors say if Sandusky's grandchildren want to see him, then he'll have to prove it.
Of the most damning information tonight being filed by the state prosecutors is word some of Jerry Sandusky's own grandchildren need counseling as a result of having contact with him. That's according to information from Sandusky's ex-daughter-in law who objects to any request that her children visit with the alleged sex predator.
And prosecutors have raised a new issue as Jerry Sandusky fights to be allowed to have friends and his grandchildren over his house, and travel about Centre County to help his defense team prepare his case --- prosecutors now allege Sandusky has been seen repeatedly near an elementary school and playground that borders his house.
Teachers and his neighbors are apparently alarmed and claim Sandusky watches school children from his backyard deck. The former assistant coach is under house arrest charged with 52 counts of sexual offenses against children.
Last month, his attorneys asked the court to relax some of the restrictions he's under, and modify his bail arrangements.
But state prosecutors bristle at Sandusky's request in an eight page response filed Tuesday. They write some of the alleged abuse happened right in Sandusky's home, while his wife was there.
Prosecutors say nothing has changed which would render the household now safe. And on the request to have some friends over, prosecutors wrote, "The Commonwealth believes the defendant should be in jail. He has been granted the privilege of being confined in his own home, which is spacious and private and where he can eat food of his own preference and sleep in his own bed at night. House arrest is not meant to be a house party."
Ten days ago Joe Amendola spoke to us about why the court should grant his client's request. "So, we're hopeful that the judge, after hearing testimony and details from Jerry's children that he'll allow Jerry to have contact with his grandchildren," he told Eyewitness News.
And state attorneys also point out that other defendants charged with similar crimes are usually in jail and cannot assist attorneys in building their case.
An email sent to Joe Amendola requesting comment was not returned. This all comes to a head at a hearing on Friday. State prosecutors say if Sandusky's grandchildren want to see him, then he'll have to prove it.
