Judge in Jerry Sandusky case may have benefited from Second Mile
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The judge who freed Jerry Sandusky on bail that was lower than prosecutors requested -- and said he didn’t require an ankle monitor -- has not only volunteered for Sandusky’s Second Mile charity but also reportedly benefited from a fundraiser organized by a Second Mile official.
Prosecutors say that the charity was a source of victims for the former Penn State football coach, who has been charged in the sexual assaults of eight boys over a 15-year period.
The former defensive coordinator has denied the charges, but the scandal has forced the ouster of the university’s president and its legendary football coach, Joe Paterno, among others. Now it’s roped in the judge in the case as well.
District Judge Leslie Dutchcot‘s attorney profile with Goodall & Yurchak had listed her volunteer work with the Second Mile charity. The Patriot-News says she took part in few events, and her role was small. But another Pennsylvania judge wants an investigation of the judge and the possible conflict.
The paper reports:
Rep. Mike Vereb, R-Montgomery County, sent a letter to State Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Castille Monday, asking the judge to look into why Dutchcot ignored the requests of prosecutors when they sought bail of $500,000 and that Sandusky wear an ankle bracelet for tracking.
Sandusky was released on $100,000 unsecured bail -- meaning he won’t have to pay unless he doesn’t show up for court -- and ordered to have no contact with children.
Now My Fox Philly is reporting that documents released by Vereb show that Robert Poole, chairman of the Second Mile, held a fundraiser for Dutchcot in 2007 while she was running for office.
The event, held at Poole’s home, netted $1,463.
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-- Amy Hubbard
