Jerry Sandusky Penn State Scandal: Sandusky Out on Bail, Living Near Elementary School
Community Enraged Over Release of Former Assistant Coach and His Ties to the Judge
An elementary school in College Park, Pa., is taking precautions to make sure its kids stay safe after recent news revealed Jerry Sandusky is free on bail and lives behind the school.
Jerry Sandusky was released on $100,000 bail after being charged with 40 counts of sexually abusing children. The former Penn State defensive coordinator was ordered to stay away from children, yet he lives within a stone’s throw of a school.
State College Area School District Superintendent Robert J. O'Donnell told The Patriot-News in email that police were aware of the issue and that the principal at the school "has taken additional administrative action to ensure our children are safe. These measures ... will remain in place moving forward."
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Along with the precautions taken by the school, the road to Sandusky’s home was blocked off and private property signs litter his yard. Over the weekend, a cinder block was thrown through the front window of his home.
Those in the neighborhood are in disbelief that bail was offered. Carl and Melissa Anderson, who live next to Sandusky, spoke with CNN.
"The presumption of innocence, we all like to believe in that and we do in this country, but I think there is a level of protection that a neighborhood and community is entitled to," said Carl.
The family was a big fan of Penn State and Sandusky that they even had an autographed limited-edition copy of his book, “Touched: The Jerry Sandusky Story.”
“For me ... it alternates between anger and sadness. It really is a loss of wholesale community innocence." Carl told CNN.
Some also question the judge who gave Sandusky bail. Judge Leslie Dutchcot is reported to have previous ties with Sandusky.
The judge’s former law firm disclosed that Dutchot is listed as a volunteer for Second Mile. The foundation was founded by Sandusky and it is where he allegedly met his young victims.
"It baffles my mind,” said Melissa to CNN, regarding to the bail and apparent connection between Sandusky and the judge.
