Sandusky Case: Four Victims File to Protect Their Identity On the Witness Stand

Victims No. 3, 4, 5 and 7 filed for the right to protect their identity and use a pseudonym when called to testify during Jerry Sandusky’s trial, which is just one week away.

Six documents were filed in the final minutes of business hours Tuesday afternoon at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte. Four victims – numbers 3, 4, 5 and 7 – petitioned to be able to use a different name in place of their own when called to the witness stand to testify.

Seven groups filed an Amici Curiae brief in support of the Victims’ motion to protect their identities and use a pseudonym on the witness stand when they are called to testify.

Citing precedent, the attorney who filed the brief on behalf of the seven groups said the use of pseudonyms is both a permissible and reasonable way to protect the victims’ rights without violating right of the defendant or the rights of the public.

The right to protect one’s identity in this high profile of a case is part of a victim’s federal rights and state rights, according to the brief.

The parties who submitted the brief include:

• The National Center for Victims of Crime
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
• National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
• The Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania
• Network of Victim Assistance

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Courtroom 1 of the Centre County Courthouse to resolve any outstanding issues prior to the trial, which is set for June 5. 

Jury selection is expected to take about two weeks. 

Jerry Sandusky, 68, and a former Penn State football assistant coach, faces 52 counts of child sexual abuse and maintains his innocence. He made a surprise appearance in court Tuesday, but he and his counsel offered no comment after meeting with the prosecution and Judge John Cleland for nearly three hours.