Some of Jerry Sandusky’s neighbors apparently don’t even want to look at the accused child molester.
And prosecutors don’t want him loitering outside his house, which happens to be near an elementary school’s playground.
According to court documents, neighbors told prosecutors they have “grave concerns” about repeatedly seeing Sandusky outside his home. "He should be forbidden to be outside his home in proximity to a school playground, where his presence alarms teachers and members of the public," Pennsylvania's attorney general wrote in a motion filed with the court this week.
The former Penn State assistant football coach is facing 52 charges of sexual offenses against children. Sandusky pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is under house arrest pending his trial.
Sandusky’s attorney Joe Amendola says the concerns about his client being outside are totally unfounded.
“Jerry can’t open his front door to let his dog, Bo, out without someone contacting law enforcement authorities to report his whereabouts. For all practical purposes, he has been a prisoner in his home since November 5th when he was initially arrested,” said Amendola.
A protective order, issued shortly after the scandal broke, prevents Sandusky from being around his grandchildren. Two weeks ago, Sandusky petitioned the court to allow him see or call his grandchildren. "11 minor grandchildren ... have expressed their sadness to their parents about not being able to visit or talk,” his attorney wrote in court documents.
Prosecutors have made strong objections to Sandusky’s request to visit with his grandchildren.
"He has been granted the privilege of being confined in his home, which is spacious and private and where he can eat food of his own preference and sleep in his bed at night. House arrest is not meant to be a house party," prosecutors wrote in motions.
Prosecutors also stated, "Jill Thomas, ex-wife of Sandusky's son, Matthew Sandusky, strenuously objects to her three minor children having any contact whatsoever with Sandusky."
Sandusky’s attorney disagrees with the prosecution about visitation rights. “Even incarcerated individuals have visitation privileges,” said Amendola.
There is a hearing scheduled Friday to decide whether Sandusky will be allowed to see his grandchildren. It is unclear whether that hearing will also address the issue of Sandusky’s presence outside his house.
Join the conversation...