Sandusky Trial to Stay in Centre County as Deadline Passes
By: Jeff Preval
Updated: February 2, 2012
BELLEFONTE, CENTRE COUNTY - The deadline to move the Jerry Sandusky case out of Centre County has passed.
Wednesday was the last day for the Commonwealth or Sandusky's defense to ask that the trial be transferred to another county.
In downtown Bellefonte, some people want the trial, others don't want the trial there because they think it would upset this small area. All can agree that the trial shouldn't shutdown streets and disturb traffic. This is what happened for Sandusky's preliminary hearing.
Both the state's attorney general and Jerry Sandusky agree that Sandusky's trial should be in Bellefonte. The attorney general believes it would be more difficult for Sandusky and witnesses to travel elsewhere for the trial.
The prosecution believes, "it is proper and desirable that Centre County be the site of justice because of the unique relationship between the community and Penn State it is important that the trial and verdict unfold there," said Joseph McGettigan, the senior deputy attorney general.
Joe Amendola, Sandusky's attorney says county residents will give his client a fair trail and that, "there's no better place than Centre County from which to select fair minded individuals to sit as jurors in Jerry's case."
This means downtown Bellefonte business managers like Deb McAtee will need to prep for massive attention. The trial could start in the summer. McAtee says that's a good time for needed business.
"No, I wouldn't want to see it moved, I'm holding out hope that it would bring some business during a slow time," she said.
McAtee says she's like others downtown who hope streets stay open to allow business to boom. In December, during Sandusky's preliminary hearing many businesses were slow.
"They would need to rethink the way they closed the streets, our pharmacy customers were not able to get in and get their medicine," McAtee said.
The deadline to ask for an out-of-county jury has also passed. The Commonwealth thinks residents outside Centre County should hear the case. The attorney general believes intense media coverage may've affected how county residents view Sandusky. The judge presiding needs to respond to this motion by Wednesday.
Meantime authorities say logistics for the trial are already underway.
Wednesday was the last day for the Commonwealth or Sandusky's defense to ask that the trial be transferred to another county.
In downtown Bellefonte, some people want the trial, others don't want the trial there because they think it would upset this small area. All can agree that the trial shouldn't shutdown streets and disturb traffic. This is what happened for Sandusky's preliminary hearing.
Both the state's attorney general and Jerry Sandusky agree that Sandusky's trial should be in Bellefonte. The attorney general believes it would be more difficult for Sandusky and witnesses to travel elsewhere for the trial.
The prosecution believes, "it is proper and desirable that Centre County be the site of justice because of the unique relationship between the community and Penn State it is important that the trial and verdict unfold there," said Joseph McGettigan, the senior deputy attorney general.
Joe Amendola, Sandusky's attorney says county residents will give his client a fair trail and that, "there's no better place than Centre County from which to select fair minded individuals to sit as jurors in Jerry's case."
This means downtown Bellefonte business managers like Deb McAtee will need to prep for massive attention. The trial could start in the summer. McAtee says that's a good time for needed business.
"No, I wouldn't want to see it moved, I'm holding out hope that it would bring some business during a slow time," she said.
McAtee says she's like others downtown who hope streets stay open to allow business to boom. In December, during Sandusky's preliminary hearing many businesses were slow.
"They would need to rethink the way they closed the streets, our pharmacy customers were not able to get in and get their medicine," McAtee said.
The deadline to ask for an out-of-county jury has also passed. The Commonwealth thinks residents outside Centre County should hear the case. The attorney general believes intense media coverage may've affected how county residents view Sandusky. The judge presiding needs to respond to this motion by Wednesday.
Meantime authorities say logistics for the trial are already underway.
