Judge allows more visitation, won't restrict former coach from going outside. NBC's Chris Clackum reports.
By msnbc.com staff, NBC News and news services
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Jerry Sandusky can see most of his grandchildren while he awaits trial, the judge overseeing the child sex abuse against the former coach said Monday.
The judge ruled that Sandusky can also use a jury chosen from the State College, Penn., area to hear his case.
Judge John Cleland ordered the state attorney general's office to disclose the ages of purported victims at the time the crimes are said to have occurred, as well as the times, dates and locations of when prosecutors said they happened.
"If, after a reasonable attempt it is apparent that a jury cannot be selected within a reasonable time, then I will reconsider this ruling," Cleland wrote.
The former Penn State assistant football coach appeared in court Friday morning for a hearing that covered conditions of his bail. Sandusky had sought eased bail restrictions that would allow him access to his grandchildren.
Related: Sandusky hearing covers bail conditions
In his ruling, Cleland said Sandusky can see the children under their parents' supervision, except for three grandchildren who are the subject of custody litigation.??
Prosecutors had sought to have Sandusky confined to his home after hearing complaints from neighbors about the safety of children, particularly at an elementary school behind Sandusky's house, but the judge denied that request.
The attorney general's office also wanted an out-of-county jury for trial, but the judge decided on a local jury.
According to the ruling,?a coordinator may limit the number of people who are allowed to visit Sandusky at any one time. Visits will be limited to two hours, three times a week. Requests to leave the residence in the company of his counsel must be submitted 36 hours in advance.
Sandusky, 68, faces 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 boys over a 15-year period. He has denied the allegations.
Sandusky was released on Dec. 8, 2011 after posting a $250,000 bail. He was placed under electronic monitoring and house arrest. According to court documents, Sandusky has 11 grandchildren, whose ages range from 2 to 14 years old.
Cleland has set a tentative trial date for mid-May.
The Harrisburg Patriot-News reported?Monday that former Penn State athletic director Tim Curley, 57, asked a judge to dismiss the perjury charge he?s facing as part of the Sandusky scandal, saying through his attorney that the late Joe Paterno's testimony would have provided the evidence that prosecutors needed.
Pittsburgh attorney Caroline Roberto said in a motion filed in Dauphin County court Monday that Paterno?s statements can?t be used at trial, since she had no chance to cross-examine him when he testified before the secret grand jury, the paper reported. Pennsylvania law requires corroboration in a perjury charge.
Prosecutors accused Curley and former Penn State vice president Gary Schultz of failing to take appropriate action after former assistant coach Mike McQueary told them he had seen Sandusky assault a young boy in the locker room shower and then lying to the investigating grand jury about what they were told.?
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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