Sandusky Trial: Strange comments by the Defense Attorney

Very little surrounding the trial of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky has been normal. Jury deliberation is gone 24-hours now and according to reports, will continue into the weekend.

From the depth and length of charges to the testimony, the trial has been somewhat fascinating to monitor.

Which makes comments spoken today by Sandusky's attorney Joe Amendola all the more bizarre.

Amendola, slightly violating Judge John Cleland's gag order told several assembled reporters this afternoon that if his client is acquitted of all 48 remaining charges, "I'd probably die of a heart attack".

He also added "Do you know the odds are of walking on 52 charges? The likelihood is strong that he'll (Sandusky) be convicted of something".

And he went further, telling reporters his client  "Is an overgrown child. Kids tend to be naïve & not really appreciate the seriousness of what they are facing."

We might add that he was immediately called into Judge Cleland's office after this, we're guessing the conversation was not positive.

The general consensus right now is the jury is being very deliberate and careful about what they decide. That is why it is taking some time.

And while we, like most believe this case is a slam dunk, we find it utterly amazing that a defense attorney would say what Amendola did.

But then again, considering everything else that's been brought out in this case, it probably shouldn't come as so much of a surprise.

Sandusky Trial: It's in the Jury's Hands Now (UPDATE: Sandusky's Son Says He Was Abused)

Jerry Sandusky

You could almost hear the lyrics of the Semisonic song "Closing Time" echoing in the Bellfonte, PA courtroom on Thursday morning.

The reason: Simple. Both the defense...and the prosecution got to present their closing arguments in the trial of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

And if you've been following the case, the arguments went exactly the way you figured that they would.

Defense attorney Joe Amendola, batting leadoff tried to paint the whole thing as a "Consipiracy" and a "Rush to Judgement". He tried very hard to emphasize that the whole issue was spun off of Victim #1. He claimed that Victim #1 exaggerated his claims and that investigators fed off of that and began trying to figure out ways to get others to buy into the story.

Uh huh...yes Joe, you must be right. 8 other victims came forward and all the investigators decided "Oh...Jerry Sanudusky is a public figure. We can charge him with all this stuff and as a result we'll get paid off." Sure...they all conspired to throw all these allegations at a "Former" football coach who had been out of the limelight for what...10-years? And while not poor, was certainly not a multi-millionaire.

Sorry, Joe, while you spent a couple days asking people if Jerry was a good guy and concocting conspiracy theories, you never did ask anybody if these things happened.

Part of your plan? Did you forget?

No, it was the only defense you had. And yeah, we get that you had to go all-in there. It's just really sad that you have to try in make all these people look like they are really evil in doing it.

As for Prosecutor Joseph McGettigan. His case was simple, straightforward and a carbon copy of his opening statement.

He spent a few minutes making a mockery of the defense assertions and also talked at length about having to explain to these victims they were going to be called liars. McGettigan spoke about how each victim had challenges...and fears to overcome by talking about this. And how it affected them.

And really, that is the whole point. Sexual molestation by someone in a position of authority is not something anyone is going to willingly jump in and admit to. Nobody is going to casually accuse someone else of this for financial gain.

Because once they put it out there, it's a stigma they have to live with the rest of their lives. That, at its root, is the reason that such acts are crimes.

Jerry Sandusky can make all the cries for help he wants. He, to this day, hasn't denied having contact with these kids. And having contact in ways that might be considered inappropriate. Think about it. Many of us are former athletes...and because of that, are aware of "community" showers. But never....NEVER, did a coach willingly walk into said shower and start trying to "Clean" any kids off. There is NO world/universe where that would be appropriate.

None.

A defense attorney can say he thinks the victimes all conspired against his client. He can say that the stories had holes. He can say the timelines may be slightly off. He can even say that some details may not be exactly perfect.

But he can't say why anyone would make up such horrific stories. Why would anybody put themselves thru that? How could you live with the stigma that is attached?

No, we think this case will be over with pretty soon. Even in Central Pennsylvania with a primarily Penn State jury, this should be done within the next couple of days.

So stay tuned.



PM UPDATE: Jerry Sandusky's adopted son, Matt, has come forward and said that he was also abused by his father in a statement released by his lawyers. He was prepared to come forward as a witness in the event that Jerry Sandusky himself was to testify. Matt would have been there as part of the prosecution's tack of refuting his father's statements.

"Matt Sandusky, one of Jerry Sandusky's adopted children, asked us to confirm with you the accuracy of this morning's news reports indicating that he was prepared to testify truthfully as a Commonwealth witness," attorneys Andrew Shubin and Justine Andronici said in a statement. " During the trial, Matt Sandusky contacted us and requested our advice and assistance in arranging a meeting with prosecutors to disclose for the first time in this case that he is a victim of Jerry Sandusky's abuse.

"At Matt's request, we immediately arranged a meeting between him and the prosecutors and investigators. This has been an extremely painful experience for Matt and he has asked us to convey his request that the media respect his privacy. There will be no further comment at this time."

Matt Sandusky had previously denied being abused by his father.

Sandusky Day 7: Sandusky Doesn't Testify

((HT: WHP-TV))

The HQ wasn't surprised at all by this...

If Joe Amendola put his client on the stand, Jerry Sandusky would have been subject to one of the most lethal cross-examinations in the history of cross-examinations...

But it didn't happen...

All of the attempts that the defense made sure to see if they could find some side door to defray the possible guilt of their current client stopped short of one of the biggest legal gaffes in the history of legal gaffes...

Marcia Clark and Chris Darden are still safe at Number One...

Here's the rundown of Day 7...


Now, all we have left are the closing arguments and the decision...

Oh, yeah, and the appeal...

Sandusky Trial continues: Defense on defense and early returns

Could the trial actually go to the jury by Thursday?

It's possible.

Judge John Cleland, who is presiding over the trial of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky told a crowded courtroom and jurors that defense attorney Joe Amendola may wrap up his part of case on Wednesday.

If that is the case, you could expect closing arguments and possibly the case to go to the jury by the end of the day Thursday.

It would be one of the quickest "High Profile" cases in recent memory.

Jerry Sandusky

The prosecution, who we thought had wrapped their case, had one more witness on the stand. That witness told jurors about her son who hid his underwear from her. He would throw it away rather than put it in the laundry because of the blood on it. Blood that she said her son told her came from sexual encounters with Sandusky.

Amendola trotted out three witnesses on Monday to testify on behalf of his client. The most noteworthy: Long time Penn State assistant Dick Anderson.

Anderson told jurors that it wasn't uncommon for coaches to be in showers with people of all ages and that he and others were present when Sandusky brought some of his "Guests" to clean off after a workout or practice. He also didn't believe the boys traveling on the road and staying in Sandusky's room was an issue.

He said nothing out of the ordinary occurred in his or other coaches presence.

Though we are reasonably certain if it had, one of them would have said something by now or at least been revealed as knowing about this. And that is part of the whole issue here. Some people knew...some people didn't. 

We aren't exactly sure who is next on the list for the defense. There's been a lot of speculation that Sandusky may be forced to take the stand to defend himself. The thought being the prosecution's case has been so overwhelming that a passionate defense of his own behavior may be the only thing that can save the former coach.

However, considering who badly almost every attempt at speaking out publicly about his case has gone, it's a very, very risky move. One that we'd be surprised at.

It's hard to believe that anyone, juror, judge or otherwise is going to bite at the defense's attempt to portray all the witnesses as "greedy and looking for fame".

Either way, the bottom line is that this could soon be wrapped up, in the hands of the jury. Nobody can ever predict what they will do, but just keep in mind, the quicker they come back, the more likely it is that they've agreed with appears to be an overwhelming amount of damaging testimony.

Here's your Day 6 wrap on a day that ended early because of "technical difficulties..."
((HT: WHP-TV))

Sandusky Week One Wrap: Defense Can Chase Psych Eval

((HT: WHP-TV))

No, there wasn't anything going on in the courtroom on Friday for the Jerry Sandusky trial in Bellefonte, but the judge in the case did rule that could allow the defense to pursue the idea that Sandusky may have a personality disorder...

The HQ gives Joe Amendola credit for trying... despite how sickening the idea may be if bought...

Here's coverage from the end of the week...

Sandusky Testimony Day 4: The Prosecution is all but done and other things

You can certainly say the trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has gone quickly.

Rare is the time that such a high profile case moves to defense witnesses by the end of the 1st week.

But that's what is happening here.

3 Victims, a State Investigator and more discussion of the Bob Costas interview were the highlights of today's time in court.

We should also add here that while the prosecution has not "Officially" rested their case, its believed defense attorney Joe Amendola will begin presenting his defense when court resumes on Monday. (They're taking Friday off)

Among today's revelations: Victim #6 discussed albeit with difficulty, an encounter with Sandusky in 1998...in the showers at Penn State.

Also, a Penn State police detective who investigated that incident testified that he was sure Sandusky would be facing criminal charges as an outcome of the investigation.

He didn't.

2 other victims testified to various encounters with Sandusky, mostly involving either "Sleep-overs" at Sandusky's house which to be quite honest, should have been the 1st clue to most.

And maybe it was...and it was ignored. It's hard to say or judge that now.

One of the victims went far enough to describe a "Basement Sleepover" where he yelled for help as loud as he could. Nobody heard him...and it begs a question, "Where was Dottie Sandusky?"

For more detail on today's testimony, check out the Harrisburg Patriot-News story RIGHT HERE

We can't stress enough how repulsive most of this is. It's even harder to believe that so many people missed so many now obvious clues as to what was going on.

Yet they did.

The prosecution case was very strong and at times heart wrenching and the suspicion is that it resonated very well with the jury.

What you can expect to hear next week is the defense attempting to discredit everyone who testified this past week. You could almost buy that if it were one key witness...but in this case, there are far too many people saying the same exact thing for any reasonable person to think that there is some sort of conspiracy between them all to make "Money and Fame" off this as it has been alleged.

We'll try and pick back up with our daily wrap-ups again on Monday.

Here's WHP-TV's wrap on the day...

Sandusky Day 2: Penn St in deep doo-doo and tough testimony

Mike McQueary

Is it wrong to say that we feel dirty just having to report on this?

Day 2 of testimony in the Jerry Sandusky trial revealed more of the details on what only can be called a horrible life lived by victims and more insight to what appears to be the depth of Sandusky's apparent depravity.

It also called into question just how much people in and around Penn State knew about Sandusky's alleged exploits.

Aside from the testimony, reports indicate that former Penn State vice president Gary Schultz appears to have kept a "Secret" file on the former football assistant coach with information about the highly reported "Shower Incident". Yes, it appears that former Penn State president Graham Spanier, AD Tim Curley and others knew about it too.

Read more from KDKA-TV RIGHT HERE

And yes, it appears most of the higher ups at Penn State totally lied about what they knew. NBC reported Monday night that Schultz and Spanier discussed Sandusky back in 2001 and Spanier allegedly said It wouldn't be "humane" to involve authorities with Sandusky's issues.

Really? We are going to avoid the anger that is bubbling at the surface about this.

Also today, in somewhat of a surprise, former assistant coach Mike McQueary took the stand to talk about what he saw in the now infamous "Shower Incident" at the team facility. He testified that he had heard "Slapping" types of noise coming from the shower. He believed he saw Sandusky in a mirror engaged in what he believes to be a "Sexual Act" and hit a locker to let the people in the shower know he was there.

McQueary's testimony reinforced most of what he had said previously with the addition that he was so stunned at what he saw after making eye contact with Sandusky that he panicked and immediately called the person he trusted the most...his father.

He also testified about going to former coach Joe Paterno's home the next day to tell him, but that out of respect and fear, he didn't not name names.

Defense attorney Joe Amendola tried to discredit McQueary by saying that he was "In it for the money like the other defendants". Amendola claims McQueary's inability to remember the exact date is the reason for his doubt. And that is central to the defense strategy, create any kind of doubt they can.

Finally, the 2nd of Sandusky's alleged victims took the stand. And the now 18-year-old's testimony was both riveting and revolting.

He spoke in detail about suffering through incidents on a water bed in the basement of Sandusky's home. He tried, with tears in his eyes, to describe Sandusky's attempt at foreplay, and eventually acts of sexual behavior.

His story continued until he told of what happened upon his entry into High School in 2008. And he told jurors how he began leaving hints at a problem to his mother, who eventually went to authorities.

Other than a preliminary investigation, one that later was discovered a Pennsylvania State Trooper believed to be true, nothing happened.

Read more about victim 2's difficult testimony from Yahoo Sports RIGHT HERE

Jesus.

This just gets more and more difficult to comprehend. How can anyone who worked at the top levels of Penn State administration back then look at themselves in the mirror?

Yeah, that's you we are talking about Schultz, Spanier and Tim Curley.

It's so hard...and painful to hear about what happened. And as much as we'd all like to think that we would have immediately reacted, that isn't always the case. Abuse like this...it's one of those things that you just can't know until you know. Whether there were obvious signs or not.

That statement in no way, shape or form justifies anything that happened here, but think about it from the victims perspectives. Would you just immediately tell somebody something like that happened to you when you are a kid? And if you are an adult who doesn't really know the signs of Pedophilia, would they jump off the page at you?

Let's just hope this gets over with sooner rather than later. And let's hope somehow, someway, both those who appear to have protected this monster and the monster himself have attracted the attention of Karma...who has a way of coming back to collect overdue bills.

Here's coverage from our friends at WHP-TV in Harrisburg...

Jerry Sandusky trial: Day 1 Lots of Information

Jerry Sandusky/File

((ht: pennlive.com))

The much anticipated child molestation trial of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky got off to a quick and revelatory start Monday.

You'll recall Sandusky is facing more than 50 charges of Molesting young boys over nearly two decades, charges he denies.

The trial began just after 10am when Prosecutors delivered their opening statement painting Sandusky as a serial "Predatory Pedophile". All 10 alleged victims, now men, were detailed by the prosecution as men with a variety of issues stemming from the abuse they suffered at Sandusky's hands as children.

The Centre County Times or Pennlive.com details the opening statement RIGHT HERE

Meanwhile, Sandusky's attorney Joe Amendola started off by attempting to portray the victims as being out for money and/or fame. Amendola admitted that the prosecution has an overwhelming amount of evidence but he believes the fact that many of the victims and witnesses have "Changed" some details in their accounts of what happened, makes him believe he can prove his clients innocence.

Folks, this is going to be really interesting to follow. Though not legal experts, we believe that Amendola is grasping the only thing he can to have a chance at winning.

He won't.

While by and large, like most, we have faith in the court system, we hope...no pray that the jury will not get caught up by the inability of some to remember exact dates, times and circumstances of something they'd rather forget...which happened many years ago.

How many of you can remember things in precise detail that happened 10-years ago? Particularly if it is something you don't want to?

Yeah, we know..."Innocent until proven guilty", but really, considering the sheer amount of people detailing the same act....done by the same guy, makes it very difficult to believe that this won't turn in the prosecutions favor.

But...the trial is taking place very close to home for almost everyone involved. And we've already seen that it appears Penn State and/or the people around it have gone to great lengths to either ignore or pretend like none of this ever happened.

And no, Happy Valley folks, we aren't trying to paint you with a broad brush, but the impression outsiders get is that "All revolves around mighty Penn State. If they say it, it must be true".

And that ultimately is the reason we are having this trial and this discussion in the first place.

Sandusky trial jury selected: Trial starts Monday

((ht: patriotnews.com))

And so it soon shall begin. On Monday at 9am to be exact.

A jury of 16 have been picked in surprisingly rapid order for the child molestation trial of former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

According to PennLive.com the jury members may be a bit of a surprise to some, it consists of:

3-current Penn State employees
1-wife of a current Penn St. media information employee (curious--)
1-former Penn State professor
1-woman who husband is a doctor that worked with former assistant coach Mike McQueary's dad.
1-Penn State student
1-Penn State grad
1-who's wife is director of Penn State's Upward Bound program
7-who don't have a direct tie to Penn State or anybody involved in the trial.

For much more detail, read the PennLive story RIGHT HERE

Wow, not exactly the group you would expect for such a "High-Profile" trial. We are assuming that it was virtually impossible to find many people in that part of the world without ties to Penn State.

But geez, almost everyone on this jury has a tie to the school.

We won't speculate what this means or why it was done, but it is an interesting strategy employed by Sandusky's attorney Joe Amendola. Of course Amendola was the one who let his client be interviewed by Bob Costas and a couple of others, with all the interviews coming across real, real badly.

This comes on the heels of a Tuesday night report by ABC News stating that the prosecution plans to introduce a series of alleged "Love Letters" and gifts, that Sandusky wrote to the person known as "Victim #4".

The "Letters" supposedly get a bit graphic and according to ABC, they completely support the allegations made by that particular victim.

You can read the ABC story RIGHT HERE

This trial sounds like it is going to start with some fireworks. Stay tuned next week and we'll bring you as much information as we can.

The TV version of the ABC Story:

9 Jurors Picked For Sandusky Trial

((HT: WPVI-TV Philadelphia))

In the first round of questioning of 40 prospective jurors (out of 220 prospective and more than 600 summons) for the Jerry Sandusky trial, about half said they or immediate family members worked at Penn State or were university retirees.

But there seems to be a lot of people who believe that an open mind can be kept in the case.

The former Penn State coach faces 52 criminal counts and potential penalties that could yield, basically, a life prison sentence for alleged abuse involving 10 boys. He has denied the allegations.

Of course...

Chad Pradelli was outside the courtroom...


Judge John Cleland thinks he'll be able to start the case Monday, and Cleland believes the trial will go for three weeks...

Bully for him if he thinks that...

Sandusky Attorney Asks For Dismissal

((HT: WHP-TV Harrisburg))

Jerry Sandusky's attorney, Joe Amendola, has asked for a dismissal of the trial against his client...

In a 95-page omnibus pre-trial motion, Amendola goes trough a lot of the procedural content , but on Page 7, we get this...

Amendola feels that since the Commonwealth has not given him specifics in the "Criminal Informations" that he cannot adequately prepare a defense for Sandusky. Amendola also feels that the Commnwealth cannot submit appropriate evidence to support their case.

But a recent development has arisen from the initial 1998 case may have some impact (or not- depending who you talk to)

Sandusky Waives Hearing... Next Step- January

((HT: WHDH-TV))

But the HQ, and a lot of other people we're sure, object to Sandusky's attorney and the terminology used that this will be a "fight to the death..."

No one ever said Joe Amendola was good in front of cameras...

Both the former Penn State DC and his attorney showed up at the Bellefonte, PA courthouse this morning and decided to waive the hearing so Sandusky's accusers wouldn't have to go through the presentation of their side of the facts more than once.

Here's the latest from rural PA...


Amendola isn't interested in any kind of a plea agreement...

Shocker...

Sandusky speaks again: This time to NY Times

((ht: nytimes.com))

Jerry Sandusky

Well, this certainly seems to be a somewhat unique way of defending ones self when it comes to some life-altering accusations.

Embattled and accused child molester and former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky gave another interview this week. This one to the New York Times and reporter Jo Becker...on video.

In the wide ranging, long interview, Sandusky said Joe Paterno never said anything to him about suspected misconduct with minors and the Second Mile charity he founded never restricted his access to children until he was mentioned as a subject of a criminal investigation in 2008.

Sandusky apparently tells Becker he never sexually abused a child BUT...he confirms many of the details of events prosecutors used in charging him with molestation. She says he agreed to the interview because he wanted to clear the air about his work with children.

Read the text version of the Times story (fascinating) RIGHT HERE

We don't quite understand why Sandusky's lawyer, Joe Amendola is doing by allowing Sandusky to continue to be vague in stating his case. After the report earlier this week by the Harrisburg Patriot-News that Amendola was considering telling his client to "Plea" we are wondering if this is all a set-up to make Amendola look like some sort of genius lawyer.

The P.R attempt at making Sandusky a "Sympathetic" and "Misunderstood" person is not coming off well. In fact it appears to make him seem even more creepier. Combine this with the Bob Costas/NBC phone interview from a couple of weeks ago and this just continues getting uglier.

There's a preliminary hearing for Sandusky the week after next. We may learn a little more about what actually did happen, we certainly will know when, where and how this case will continue to proceed.

Here is the video interview (Courtesy: New York Times) link RIGHT HERE

Kingvision2000 has decided to test the ire of the Times and have it up on the interwebs...

Sandusky case: New investigations and judges recusal

Jerry Sandusky

((ht: ap/pennlive.com/abcnews))

Though the story may have been somewhat quiet over the past few days, more details and potential issues continue surfacing in the case of former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky.

Sandusky's premilinary hearing is scheduled for December 13th.

In today's developments, several things have happened.

One: Harrisburg Patriot-News reporter Sara Ganim reports that two more possible allegations against Sandusky have surfaced. Ganim reports both investigations by the state's Department of Child Services have been opened within the past 60 days and both victims are alleged to be under 18.

Read Ganim's report from PennLive.com RIGHT HERE


Two: Sandusky's attorney, Joe Amendola tells ABC News several things. Among them that his client was a "Tough" mentor and that the accusations were "Retaliation" for that. He also says the victim told prosecutors and investigators what they wanted to hear because they "Pampered" him.

Amendola also admitted to ABC that the possibility exists for more charges to be leveled against his client. That comment would substantiate the report in the Patriot-News.

Watch the ABC story right here:



And finally, a late developing story from the Associated Press in Pennsylvania:

All Centre County judges have recused themselves from hearing the Sandusky case. The state's administrative court announced that out-of-county judges will hear anything involving the case from here on in.

You'll recall some controversy arose when the magistrate court judge hearing Sandusky's bail hearing was questioned after a perceived lenient bond and concerns because she was a volunteer and donor to Sandusky's Second Mile charity.

DEVELOPING: Sandusky Says "I Am Innocent..." (UPDATED)

The day started out innocent enough...

Pardon the Pun...

An interview with Bob Costas on the "Dan Patrick Show" alluded to an advancement of the Jerry Sandusky story. Costas didn't want to jinx or go into any kind of further detail on the advancement and what it could be if it happened...

He admitted that, if it didn't, he and "RockCenter" host Brian Williams would be just two guys chatting in chairs on a set- not advancing much of anything...

Instead, this is part of what we got...
((HT: MSNBC.com/NBC and "RockCenter"))

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sandusky also denied being a pedophile...

But the biggest goof on the day comes from Sandusky's attorney, Joe Amendola, who actually went head-to-head with CNN's Jason Carroll...
((HT: CNN))


Really...
Really...???

An old man showering with a young kid and it's "horsing around..."

Seriously...

And the defense in the media begins...

In the first segment on "RockCenter," Costas asked Sandusky why Mike McQueary would say what he did in the grand jury presentment. Sandusky told Costas that what McQueary said was false...

Costas: "What, then, would his motive to be to lie?"
Sandusky: "You'd have to ask him."

Sandusky's recollection was that the child turned on all the showers himself and was sliding across the floor- and that they were possibly snapping towels and may have been involved in "horseplay." He could also could not "exactly recall" the conversation he had with the one victim's mother where the presentment relayed that Sandusky told the mother that "he wished he were dead."

Sandusky, when asked about the 2000 incident where the Penn State janitor allegedly saw Sandusky giving oral sex in the shower, said that did not happen.

Joe Amendola was asked by Costas about their case. Amendola said that he expects that a number of kids will come forward and say the events portrayed never happened. Amendola also thinks that he and his legal team have identified the victim McQueary says he saw in the shower. Amendola is confident that the victim will say the incident never happened...

Costas then asked Amendola is he would leave his own children alone with Sandusky.
Amendola replied, "Absolutely."

It was also revealed by Sandusky, under questioning by Costas, that Joe Paterno never spoke directly to him about alleged behavior. Sandusky's only regret seems to be that he "showered with those kids."

Costas asked Sandusky if he was sexually attracted to young boys. He denied any interest. Costas also asked Sandusky if he thought he was a "monster."

Sandusky: "Let's just say if somehow they could hang on... that's about all I could ask right now."