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Judge Removes Himself from Sandusky Case

BELLEFONTE — The judge in the Jerry Sandusky case has recused himself from the case. Judge John Cleland indicated the defense contended he violated the ru...

BELLEFONTE -- The judge in the Jerry Sandusky case has recused himself from the case.

Judge John Cleland indicated the defense contended he violated the rules of judicial conduct in regard to a preliminary hearing during the case. The judge vehemently denies this.

In his order, Judge Cleland said Sandusky's defense lawyers, "have elected to call into question my fairness and impartiality without requesting my testimony and, by doing so, have created a cloud over these proceeding. It would be imprudent to allow such a cloud to linger and to permit it to cast a shadow on the legitimacy of the court, or any decision I would make on the merits of the defendant's …petition, especially when that cloud could be so easily dissipated by my voluntary recusal and by presenting my testimony before a judge in my stead."

Sandusky is seeking a new trial under Pennsylvania's Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA).

Sandusky, a former Penn State University assistant football coach, was found guilty in June of 2012 of 45 counts related to the sexual abuse of children.

In October of 2012, a judge sentenced Sandusky to 30 to 60 years in prison.

The charges against Sandusky came to light in the fall of 2011.

Read Judge Cleland's opinion here.

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