Judge Nixes 3 Charges Against Sandusky; 48 Counts Remain in Child Sex-Abuse Case as Jury Deliberates
Updated: After a plea by the prosecution for justice for the 10 youths portrayed by the government as victims and a defense argument that the case against a longtime volunteer who helped thousands of children makes no sense, a Pennsylvania jury on Thursday began deliberating in the child sex-abuse case against Jerry Sandusky,
The former Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach originally faced 51 charges, but Judge John Cleland nixed three as the Bellefonte trial neared a conclusion. Two weren’t supported by the evidence, he found, and a third was duplicative, according to the Associated Press and USA Today.
Cleland told the jury members they will be sequestered at a hotel tonight if they don’t reach a verdict today. Although jurors will have their own rooms, the television and phone will be turned off and they will not be allowed to have cellphones.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “McQueary Testifies re Penn State Shower Incident; Caseworker Says Sandusky Admitted ‘Raspberries’”
ABAJournal.com: “Sandusky’s Wife Calls Accusers Conniving and Clingy, Denies Hearing Any Cry for Help”
Updated at 1:25 p.m. to include information from USA Today about closing arguments and report that jury is deliberating.
