Court Holds Lottery For Seats In Sandusky Hearing
BELLEFONTE (KDKA/AP) -- Officials are expecting such a large crowd at the preliminary hearing for former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky next week that they have decided to hold a lottery to determine who will be allowed to enter the courtroom.
Sandusky has been indicted on 40 counts of molesting eight boys over 15 years; but he has denied the charges -- telling The New York Times in a recent interview: "I'm not the monster I've been made out to be. I never engaged in sexual acts with these young kids."
While some news outlets have reported that all 8 victims allegedly assaulted by Sandusky would testify against him at next Tuesday's hearing, Nils Fredericksen, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office declined to comment on what he called "speculation or rumors."
"We will be prepared to introduce enough evidence and testimony at the preliminary hearing to demonstrate to the court that the case should be held for trial," Fredericksen explained. "Beyond that, we do not address speculation or rumors."
Interest in the case has been high; but since the Centre County courtroom only holds 200 people, officials plan to hold a lottery for seats.
Anyone interested in attending Sandusky's preliminary hearing must enter the lottery set up by the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. To enter, visitors must fill out an application on the court's website between December 7 and 8. Those who get a seat will get an email from the court with instructions on picking up their admission pass.
Lottery sign up goes until noon on Thursday. For more details, visit the Centre County Government website.
RELATED LINKS/STORIES:
Details On The Public Seating Lottery Info (Centre County Government website)
The Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal
Defense Attorney Weighs In On Sandusky's Latest Interview (12/4)
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