What does six months in prison do to a 68-year old man?
We got our answer Thursday, when convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky arrived in court to watch his lawyers argue that he deserves a new trial.
His presence was not- strictly speaking- necessary, as the defense argued they had insufficient time to prepare for the June, 2012 proceedings.
But it gave Sandusky a rare chance to spend a day outside prison walls. And that seemed to put a spring in his step.
"He was in good spirits today," said attorney Norris Gelman, hired to lead Sandusky's appeal. "He's doing very well. He's resilient. And he's handling prison nicely."
Sandusky spends 23 hours a day alone in his cell at the maximum security state prison in Greene county, in Pennsylvania's southwestern corner.
Gelman told reporters he has television privileges and is allowed two phone calls and one visit per month.
Inside the courtroom Thursday, Sandusky broke into a broad smile at the sight of his wife Dottie and several family friends.
But beneath his maroon Centre County prison wear (he was moved from SCI-Greene on Wednesday and spent Wednesday night at the county lock-up) Sandusky looked like a shell of the 67-year old former Penn State assistant football coach was who arrested just 14 months ago. Defense attorney Joe Amendola confirmed Sandusky has lost weight.
"I saw a changed man," said attorney Tom Kline, who represents one of Sandusky's victims and attended Thursday's hearing. "just in physical appearance alone. He is gaunt and frail, and very thin."
Sandusky will mark his 69th birthday later this month- January 26th, to be exact. It will be his first birthday behind bars- perhaps the first of many.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:49:41 GMT
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
Thursday, May 9 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:11:50 GMT
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Jerry Sandusky is seen as he arrives for his court hearing Thursday.
