Jerry Sandusky looking to have house arrest restrictions eased

Jerry Sandusky has been under house arrest since December after being charged with sexually abusing young boys, but a Pennsylvania judge is expected to rule Monday on whether or not to lighten the restrictions of the house arrest.

At a hearing held on Friday, the former Penn State assistant football coach requested that the judge allow him to visit with his relatives, including supervised visits with his grandchildren. While a ruling on that is expected early this week, the judge put a mid-May date for Sandusky’s trial.

Sandusky continued to maintain that he is innocent, saying: “I’ve associated with thousands of young people over the years. And now, all of a sudden, because of allegations and perceptions that have been tried to be created of me, now I can’t take our dog on my deck and throw out biscuits to him.”

Jonelle Eshbach, the state prosecutor on the case, voiced opposition to the idea of Sandusky being allowed to have visitors at his home, pointing out allegations that he sexually assaulted a boy in the basement of the very home he’s staying in.

“This home was not safe for children for 15 years, and it’s not safe for children now,” Eshbach said. “We think that the actual contact, visitation with his grandchildren is not a good idea. And we also feel that way with regard to visitors.”