Jerry Sandusky Penn State Scandal: Judge Who Granted Bail Knew Jerry Sandusky From Charity
Reports surfaced that the judge who granted Jerry Sandusky’s unsecured bail volunteered for the former Penn State defensive coordinators’ nonprofit organization, The Second Mile.
Sandusky, 67, is charged with 21 felony counts for allegedly sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year period.
The state Attorney General office originally requested bail set at $500,000 and required Sandusky to wear an electronic ankle monitor.
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District Judge Leslie Dutchcot decided that the $100,000 unsecured bail was sufficient; she did however, order Sandusky to stay away from children. With unsecured bail, Sandusky will not have to pay any money unless he does not show up to court.
"These details have got to be reviewed. I'm sending off a letter to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Ron Castillo and asking him to look at what happened here, to look at the reports that are out there, and if, in fact, this district justice has a conflict of interest." State Rep. Mike Vereb to Fox News Affiliate WTXF-TV.
Some in the community were shocked that Sandusky received bail at all.
“It baffles my mind," said Melissa Anderson, a neighbor who lives close to Jerry Sandusky.
District Judge Dutchcot works as counsel for the law firm Goodall and Yurchak. It is reported that Dutchcot donated between $500 and $1,000 dollars to the charity in the past, as well as offered volunteer services.
It is not clear whether Dutchcot is currently is involved in the Second Mile foundation, and immediate calls for comments were not answered nor returned.
"She certainly should have raised the issue in public and then asked the parties if either one wanted her to recues herself," said CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin.
The website for the law firm features a profile listing of her career achievements, including being named State College Lawyer of the Year in 2005. The website also listed The Second Mile as one of several charities the judge collaborated and volunteered with.
