Judge won't delay Jerry Sandusky's trial
HARRISBURG — The June child sex-abuse trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky will not be delayed, a judge ruled this morning.
The one-sentence order by Judge John Cleland did not explain his reasons, but it means the case will likely begin with jury selection in a central Pennsylvania courthouse in two weeks.
Sandusky lawyer Joe Amendola had asked for the delay, arguing that he needed more time to find and interview witnesses, and that pending criminal charges against two Penn State administrators made them unavailable as witnesses.
He said without the delay, he was concerned he would not be able to represent Sandusky effectively and adequately.
Sandusky, 68, faces 52 criminal counts for alleged abuse of 10 boys over 15 years, allegations he has repeatedly denied. Jury selection is scheduled to begin June 5, with jurors chosen from the State College area, where Sandusky lives.
Cleland also issued a second order that requires defense lawyers to provide prosecutors any expert reports they plan to use as part of their case by May 30.
The attorney general's office also will get copies of any reports of physical or mental examinations and scientific testing results by May 30.
