By Cindy Boren
Washington Post
November 23, 2011
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/post/jerry-sandusky-attorney-barred-from-publicly-naming-victim/2011/11/23/gIQAq7XOoN_blog.html
 |
| Jerry Sandusky is accused of sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year span. |
Jerry Sandusky and his attorney have been barred by a Pennsylvania judge from identifying one of the alleged eight victims the former Penn State coach is charged with sexually abusing.
That includes any mention of the victim by name in Sandusky's preliminary hearing, now scheduled for Dec. 13. In addition, the order requires the court clerk and district court to maintain the anonymity of "John Doe" and his family, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reported.
Although the policy of most media is to shield the identity of victims of sexual abuse, their names are public in court documents and are part of the court record. Andrew Shubin and Justine Andronici, who represent the victim and his family, argued that their client should be protected because of the amount of coverage the case is drawing.
"Right now our client and the other victims we are speaking with are terrified about being publicly identified," the lawyers said in a statement (via the Patriot-News), "and we will continue to do everything legally possible to prevent that from happening."
The concern stems from the experience of Victim One, from the grand jury report. According to the Patriot-News reported, he had to change high schools after he was bullied and blamed for the firing of Coach Joe Paterno. A New York Times story today tells the gut-wrenching story of the abuse, terror and guilt that Victim One has endured.
The number of alleged victims may well increase and Sandusky's lawyer said he fears his client, presently free on $100,000 unsecured bond, may be jailed. In addition, Children and Youth Services is investigating claims by two alleged victims who are still minors.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.