Local Attorney Gives Insight on Sandusky Trial
By: Monica Madeja
Updated: June 13, 2012
Bellefonte, Centre County - The sex abuse trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is moving along; some experts are surprised at how quickly.
Tuesday, Victim 1 took the stand. The 18 year old was brought to tears as he recalled how Sandusky sexually abused him a number of times. His story echoed Victim 4's testimony Monday.
Former Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney, David Pedri said the consistent stories from both boys only ripen the prosecution's case.
"What you have here between both of them is Jerry Sandusky acting like a father figure, then engaging in horseplay in the showers and wrestling and becoming abusive controlling and sexual," said Pedri.
A big surprise in Tuesday's proceedings- prosecutors called Mike McQueary to the stand. the former Penn State assistant coach testified he saw Sandusky acting inappropriately with a young boy in a locker room shower ten years ago.
Pedri said a key witness like this is usually saved for later in the trial. "There's no sort of benefit for him to testify. So you'd think they would close with that testimony. But they threw him right here in the middle. Was that a tactic to catch the defense off guard?"
Pedri said The high profile trial is moving along quickly. "I think the judge sees this has caught the eyes of the nation and I think he's going to move this along to make sure that doesn't get into some sort of media debacle."
Pedri added the benefit of a quick trial is keeping the jury's attention. But the jury loses the potential of a greater understanding of the case.
