Judge refuses to toss Sandusky sex abuse charges

(CBS/AP) BELLEFONTE, Pa. - A judge has refused to throw out child sex abuse charges against former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

Judge John Cleland rejected an argument by Sandusky's lawyer that the statute of limitations may have run out for eight of the 10 alleged victims.

Cleland also rejected defense motions that some of the charges against Sandusky were not specific enough and that evidence was lacking in others. But the judge said Thursday that Sandusky can make those arguments again before a June trial.

Sandusky is charged with more than 50 criminal counts that allege sexual abuse of 10 boys over 15 years. He has denied the accusations.

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Last week, Judge Cleland issued a gag order that severely limits what attorneys on both sides may say to reporters. The order also applies to any law enforcement investigator who has ever worked on the case and anyone acting on behalf of the lawyers.

The off-limit topics include evidence; opinions about Sandusky's guilt or innocence or about legal and factual matters under discussion; and "the reputation, character, credibility or criminal record of the defendant or any witness, prospective witness or organization which is or may testify at trial, or be the subject of trial testimony or evidence."

Cleland said he was acting to help ensure a "fair, impartial and orderly trial" for Sandusky, a proceeding scheduled to begin June 5 in Bellefonte.