Judge In Sandusky Appeal Orders Kathleen Kane To Outline Allegations
BELLEFONTE, Pa. (CBS) — Jerry Sandusky doesn't believe he belongs behind bars and a dramatic twist in this case now opens the door to that possibility.
As he entered the courthouse Jerry Sandusky told reporters seeking comment all the talking will be done in court. But much of the talking garnering the attention was done by this man Judge John Cleland.
In what could be described as a potential bomb shell during the appeal hearing, he issued a direct order to Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane.
He wants her to explain comments she made Wednesday about alleged emails from a former grand jury judge to reporters referencing leaked secret grand jury information.
Specifically, Judge Cleland wants to know if there's evidence of misconduct that may have publicly tainted the Sandusky trial before it began.
"He's telling her to put up or shut up," Alexander Lindsay, Sandusky's lawyer said. "If true could lead to a reversal of this case."
The 71-year-old Sandusky was convicted in 2012 of 45 counts of child sex abuse and sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.
Former Center County Prosecutor Tony DeBoef was in the courtroom Thursday. "The judge was not amused," DeBoef said. He called Judge Cleland's direct order to Kane unusual, but it underlines the serious potential no matter how small… of what's at stake.
"Wants to see if there was any judicial or prosecutorial misconduct," he said.
Kane has until Wednesday to provide the information to Judge Cleland in writing. Her spokesperson tells Eyewitness News she will comply. What if any outcome that may have on Sandusky's appeal, remains to be seen.