Convicted child molester Sandusky granted an appeals hearing

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania judge on Thursday granted Jerry Sandusky a hearing later this month to attempt to prove his claims that prosecutors lied, withheld evidence and leaked secret grand jury information to find additional victims.

Judge John Cleland said the May 20 hearing would “provide the defense with an opportunity to prove” claims as it seeks to have charges dismissed against the former Penn State assistant football coach or a new trial.

The judge also let Sandusky’s lawyers make a written filing about whether the grand jury that investigated Sandusky five years ago lacked jurisdiction.

A major subject of the hearing later this month will be a statement in the closing argument by prosecutor Joe McGettigan that referred to “others unknown to us, to others presently known to God but not to us.”

Cleland said Sandusky could try to prove that McGettigan was referring to the young man known at trial as Victim 2. That victim, who was not named and did not testify, was the topic of testimony by another former Penn State assistant, Mike McQueary, who said he saw Sandusky molesting Victim 2 in a team shower.

The judge said Sandusky could try to show that McGettigan’s reference to “unknown” victims was a lie; the defense can try to show the reference was to Victim 2, whom the prosecution knew and who was the same young man who has since settled a civil lawsuit with Penn State. The defense also alleges Sandusky’s lawyer during the trial, Joe Amendola, knew McGettigan was “lying.”

Messages seeking comment were not returned by McGettigan, Sandusky’s current lawyer, Al Lindsay, and a spokesman for the attorney general’s office.

Cleland’s order also said Lindsay can explore whether state prosecutors and Barry Feudale, the judge who oversaw the grand jury, withheld material that could have helped exonerate Sandusky or been useful to him at trial.

The ruling comes just three days after a hearing before Cleland that focused on Sandusky’s desire to call witnesses.

The 72-year-old Sandusky has already lost direct appeals to the state’s Supreme and Superior courts and is now pursuing claims under the Post-Conviction Relief Act. The law addresses newly discovered evidence, constitutional violations and ineffective lawyering.

Sandusky is serving 30 to 60 years in state prison on a 45-count child sexual abuse conviction.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.