Jerry Sandusky's lawyer seeks to delay child sex-abuse trial until July

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Jerry Sandusky

/ AP Photo

(CBS/AP) HARRISBURG, Pa. - On Monday, Jerry Sandusky's lawyer asked the judge in his child sex-abuse case to delay the start of his criminal trial until mid-July, saying he needed more time to prepare.

Pictures: Who's who in the Penn State abuse scandal

Defense lawyer Joe Amendola said the additional two months would help him contact and interview witnesses, subpoena records and hire experts. Earlier this month, Judge John Cleland tentatively scheduled jury selection in the former Penn State assistant football coach's trial to begin May 14.

Sandusky, 68, faces 52 criminal charges he sexually abused 10 boys over a 15-year period. He denies the allegations.

Amendola said prosecutors have been providing him with investigative materials that have produced a number of potential witnesses who have to be located, and that defense experts will need time to review documents, prepare opinions and get ready to testify.

Amendola also sought three more weeks to file a catch-all pretrial motion that is due on Thursday, saying he expects additional material to be handed over by prosecutors, and that they also did not object to that delay.

Cleland ruled two weeks ago that Sandusky could have contact with his grandchildren and adult visitors in his home, where he is confined as he awaits trial. The judge denied prosecution requests that Sandusky remain confined indoors, and that jurors be brought in from elsewhere in Pennsylvania to hear the case.

Sandusky was arrested in November and accused of a range of sexual misconduct involving boys he purportedly met through The Second Mile, a charity for at-risk children he founded decades ago.

Also arrested were Penn State athletic director Tim Curley and vice president Gary Schultz, both charged with lying to a grand jury investigating Sandusky and failing to properly report suspected child abuse. Curley, now on leave, and Schultz, who has since retired, both deny the allegations and are asking a judge to dismiss their charges.

The scandal led to the ouster of university president Graham Spanier and longtime football coach Joe Paterno. Neither was charged with any crime, and Paterno died last month of lung cancer.

Complete coverage of the Penn State sex abuse scandal on Crimesider