The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General doesn’t want to stretch out Jerry Sandusky’s latest appeal, but says it doesn’t have another option.
On Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Peterson asked the Centre County Court of Common Pleas for more time to respond to the convicted child abuser’s new appeal. The AG’s office was supposed to file a response by Friday, but Peterson says that’s simply not possible.
The trouble comes from the “sudden and unexpected departure” of the AG staffer who’s handled Sandusky’s cases for years, leaving Peterson scrambling to catch up on Sandusky’s complicated legal history. She says she’s “in serious need” of additional time to properly respond to the allegations in Sandusky’s appeal.
“This request is made in good faith and is not intended to predicate undue delay in this case,” Peterson writes. She also notes that attorneys for Sandusky do not oppose her request.
Sandusky filed his latest appeal last month, alleging he received an incompetent defense at trial and that “his conviction was the result of a violation of his constitutional rights.”
Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach and founder of the Second Mile charity for at-risk youth, was convicted on 45 child sex abuse charges in 2012. He is serving a 30 to 60 year prison term.
Sandusky previously filed appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Supreme Court, but both failed. Sandusky’s attorney has told StateCollege.com that a federal appeal may be possible if the current appeal under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act is unsuccessful.
Popular Stories:
Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges Worked for State College School District
Man Tasered Three Times and Sedated After Scuffling With Police
Out-of-County Judge Will Hear Spanier Lawsuit Against Louis Freeh
Youth Soccer Clubs Rally for Victims of Nepal Earthquake
Penn State Tackles Major Changes at Town Hall Meeting
Ferguson Township Supervisor Tells State College Borough Council to ‘Mind Their Own Business’
Penn State To Host 46th Annual Special Olympics Summer Games, Volunteers Needed
The Sounds of Summertime: Free Weekly Outdoor Concerts Return
Penn State Athletics: White Course First Tee Gets Facelift
Penn State Football: Collins And Wisniewski On College Hall Of Fame Ballot
State High Baseball: Adams’ Walk-Off Hit Sends State College To Second Round Of Playoffs
Penn State Basketball: Tim Frazier Enjoying Journey During Young NBA Career
Penn State Football: More Touchdowns, Not Just Julius The Secret to Replacing Ficken
