Penn State Scandal: Jerry Sandusky To Face His Accusers In Preliminary Hearing
Dec. 12 2011, Published 7:00 a.m. ET
By Adam S. Levy - Breaking Celebrity News Staff Writer
UPDATE: 8:45 a.m. EST Sandusky has just waived his right to a preliminary hearing, meaning he will not face his accusers in court today and the case is on the fast track to trial.
Former Penn State defensive coach Jerry Sandusky Tuesday will face his accusers in a Bellefonte, Pennsylvania courtroom for a preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors will try to prove there's enough evidence to move forward with a trial of the coach, who's accused of more than 50 criminal counts of child molestation and other sex offenses over a 15-year span.
The 67-year-old coach, who has maintained his innocence, is "looking forward to the opportunity to face his accusers," his attorney Joseph Amendola said Monday, noting Sandusky could even take the stand, if the situation warrants it.
No plea deal has been discussed with the prosecution, Amendola said. A veteran jurist will serve as district judge for the hearing, which could last more than a day.
The high-profile case will have all the trimmings of a media frenzy, with an estimated 200 reporters expected to be at the courthouse to cover the hearing, according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
Sandusky is accused of molesting 10 boys from 1994 to 2009. Among the 50 criminal counts he's been accused of include: involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of a child, indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor, along with sing