|
|
Convicted on 45 of 48 counts ... Sandusky found guilty
Saturday, June 23, 2012
By Terry Whetstone Staff Writer
BELLEFONTE - A jury of seven women and five men delivered a guilty verdict to Jerry Sandusky last night at the Centre County Courthouse, following a two-week trial. The jury convicted Sandusky of 45 of 48 counts related to the sexual abuse of children. The verdict was rendered as the ninth day of the trial came to a close.
The jury deliberated for approximately 18 hours over a two-day period. The courtroom remained full of reporters, members of the public and attorneys waiting for a decision.
Just before the doors were closed to announce the verdict, alleged Victim No. 6 entered and took a seat in the middle of the room with his family.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph McGettigan III made a motion for Judge John Cleland to revoke Sandusky's bail. Sandusky's Attorney Joe Amendola asked Judge John Cleland not to revoke bail, stating that his client was a member of the community since 1969 and he said he is not a flight risk.
The judge approved the motion and revoked bail. Sandusky was remanded to the custody of the sheriff's office. Sheriff Denny Nau and a deputy immediately led a handcuffed Sandusky from the courtroom.
Alleged Victim No. 6 sat after the verdict was read, his head in his hands, with tears of joy flowing down his face.
McGettigan walked over and hugged the young man, saying, "I told you I'd never lie to you."
"It's been a long 14 years," his mother said. "I thought I'd be happy, but there's no joy at all."
Leslie Dowell of Bellefonte was in the courtroom every day to watch the proceedings.
"I feel justice has been served," she said after hearing the verdict. "I hope people will start to stand up for the young victims."
At first, she said she believed the victims were collaborating, until she heard their testimony. She said that helped her make up her mind.
A huge crowd was assembled outside the courthouse when the verdict came down. Despite the size, the crowd was calm and happy.
Ruby Welling said she was glad the outcome is what it is. She said her son was in the Second Mile when he was younger.
"He could have been one of those victims," she said. "I just glad he (Sandusky) got what he deserved."
That was the sentiment all around from people outside. They yelled as Amendola went to the podium to speak. He was difficult to hear, but he did say the defense plans to appeal the decision.
Tammy Watkins, of Bellefonte, held a plate she purchased, bearing one word: Guilty.
Watkins said she was very pleased with the verdict.
"I'm really pleased with the results," she said. "I think the whole town is."
She said her son was in The Second Mile in 1998.
"I met Jerry," she said. "I thought he was great, until I heard about this."
She said when she heard of the complaints and charges against Sandusky, she asked her son for his opinion. Without hesitation, he told her, "He's guilty."
Sandusky was acquitted on three counts. He was convicted of the remaining 45 counts. Karl Rominger, council for Sandusky asked the judge to poll each juror following the verdict. Each agreed with the verdict that was read.
Earlier in the day while the jury was deliberating, Amendola spoke with some members of the media in the courtroom, asking they not use anything until the gag order was lifted. Amendola said he would be shocked if Sandusky would have been acquitted of all charges.
While he was talking to the media, he was summoned to the judge's chambers and reprimanded for violating the gag order.
While speaking to the crowd outside, Amendola said the judge was "marvelous," and said he was fair and firm.
Judge John Cleland said Sandusky would likely be sentenced within 90 days.
Following a request Thursday night, jurors spent Friday morning listening to transcripts from the testimony of Mike McQueary and Dr. John Dranov.
During deliberations Friday, the jury questioned the judge on a supplemental charge.
|  |
|
|
|
