Freeh Report on Sandusky and PSU BOMBSHELL: What They Missed

Blink is on location and will be filing this report later today.  I am opening the thread to keep discussion on the Freeh Report here in advance of the piece.    Set your RSS.

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1,136 Comments

  1. erose says:

    @Beejay, You probably already know this, but it looks like Mosier and Sandusky could have been pals in Washington PA., at least a kid that went to the Brownson House.

    snips>
    Some suggest it was a college wrestler who once said a journey of a lifetime begins with just one small step, but for Frank Mosier, it started with a cross-country bus ride. One of the certified legends of Minnesota State Moorhead wrestling, Mosier left his hometown of Washington, Penn., in 1962 for Moorhead State College in search of a new challenge and a better tomorrow.

    Mosier grew up in southwest Pennsylvania. The western rim of the steel belt was a virtual gold mine of rich athletic talent, producing football legends Barry Alvarez, Mike Ditka, Kirk Ferentz, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino and former NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, a boyhood pal of Mosier. It was not always a comfortable neighborhood, however.

    “It was coal mining, steel mills, and a little bit of farming, not a very wealthy area.” Mosier said. “Washington was a very ethnic community. There were Italians over here, Blacks over here and Poles over here, and nobody had any money, everybody was poor. It was dog-eat-dog; we were living in a tough time. There were also a lot of widows and widowers because of coal mines collapses, and people died early because of black lung. It was a real tough culture.”

    It was a town for tough guys, indeed.

    “I used to walk a half hour to the Catholic church every Saturday morning to go to catechism. On my way up, I would get a beating, and on my way back, some of those guys were waiting in the bushes, and I would get another beating,” Mosier laughed. “Sometimes the priest would give me another whack for coming in all beat up.”

    “The league we played in—the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League—was tougher than nails, probably the elite football and recruiting place in America. At the time, I was interested more in playing football than wrestling, “said Mosier.

    “My Dad, Frank Sr., died when I was 12. He was a great football player and wrestler, and he said, ‘Look Frank, promise me you’ll play football and won’t wrestle.’ My mother raised six children, and she wanted me to play football instead, but I had more people chasing after me for big time wrestling than big time football. I was only about 180 pounds, maybe 5-10, but I had a shot at going to the University of Maryland.”

    “Some of the guys from my hometown had gone to the University of Indiana, but their coach quit and Bucky (Maughan) and Bill Garland left Indiana for Moorhead State. I knew Bucky from nearby Canonsburg, and he said ‘Come up here; it’s a whole new world from where we live in.’ Bucky told me I could make the football team and do both, but it didn’t work out.”

    “In 1963 I was doing a giant swing in Roy Domek’s PE class, and I fell off the thing and broke my jaw. I had it wired shut and was out for a while, but I pulled through that and won the small college (wrestling) title. It wasn’t a month later I was drafted, but I flunked the physical because of my knees. Can you believe that?”

    “I went back home and taught for one year, but decided I couldn’t teach so I went to graduate school at West Virginia University. I changed my major to Psychology and got my master’s degree. I was a school psychologist at Trinity Area Schools for three years, but I found out I didn’t like that, so I went down an interviewed for the Dean of Men (position) at Waynesburg College (PA) and they hired me.”

    After three years in academia, the call of business became too loud to ignore. “I married my high school sweetheart in 1967, and her dad was a scout for the Pirates and the number one life insurance manager for Baltimore Life Insurance. He kept trying to get me into the business. In 1975 I joined the State Farm Insurance Company and loved it.”

    Frank and his wife Leslye have two sons, Frank, Jr., a banker and investment specialist in Moscow, Russia, and Michael, a lawyer in the United States Department of Justice.

    http://www.msumdragons.com/sports/2011/3/9/WREST_0309113358.aspx?id=207

  2. Word Girl says:

    Hope this hasn’t been posted–and I’ve read upstream as much as :Little Brain can read.

    http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/10/06/sandusky-jurors-plan-to-attend-sentencing-some-hoping-former-penn-state/

    Sandusky jurors plan to attend sentencing.

  3. erose says:

    Not to mention the victims (literally).

    “There isn’t a sentence that I believe is harsh enough for what he has done and how it has affected the university,” said Joan Andrews, a juror who has worked for Penn State for 41 years and held football season tickets since 1969. “I don’t think there’s been one individual in this entire campus that has not been affected by this.”

    Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/10/06/sandusky-jurors-plan-to-attend-sentencing-some-hoping-former-penn-state/#ixzz28YLzihP3

  4. Word Girl says:

    Yeah, erose. I had to read Juror and 41-year-PSU-employee Joan Andrews’ statement twice. I was so sad to read that.

    “There isn’t a sentence that I believe is harsh enough for what he has done and how it has affected the university,” said Joan Andrews…“I don’t think there’s been one individual in this entire campus that has not been affected by this.”

  5. lizzy says:

    “erose says:
    October 6, 2012 at 4:05 pm
    Not to mention the victims (literally).”

    Of course, there is no way of knowing if the juror or the reporter left out mention of the victims. If you’ve ever been interviewed, you may know how editing can go. Once I was interviewed for almost two hours, and the only direct quotes used were from the first minute, and a joke I made, which was then used in a demeaning context.

  6. erose says:

    @WG, I really wasn’t trying to focus on that attitude, but it still rubs me the wrong way. Maybe the reporter cut her thoughts short. The good people of State College tried and convicted Sandusky, I should just shut up, but when I hear a statement such as that, it makes me think he was found guilty of destroying the football program.

  7. erose says:

    Yep, those darned reporters should represent the intent of the person they interview, not hack it to pieces, I agree. I guess that is why people talk in sound bites now, sigh.

    lizzy says:
    October 7, 2012 at 1:20 pm

  8. erose says:

    Not thinking this is what is going to happen, but interesting…

    That’s because Cleland has the ability, if he wants to, to run each of the sentences on all 45 counts concurrently instead of consecutively.

    That means that Sandusky could theoretically serve all of his sentences within one 10-year mandatory sentence.

    A sentence so light would be a great deviation from standard practice, and a shock to many jurors who spoke to The Associated Press last week and said they want a life sentence for Sandusky.

    http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/10/jerry_sandusky_could_get_anywh.html

  9. Word Girl says:

    thx, lizzy. I WAS one of those college reporters!

    Good point and I didn’t want to malign (is that a word) Juror Andrews’ intent in the quoted words. She has two sentences quoted and neither mentions the victims–other than those of the university.

    Good to remember that this Juror may have been answering a question about how Sandusky affected the university family.

  10. Word Girl says:

    A Life of Austerity and Notoriety for Sandusky:

    http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20121008_Sandusky_faces_life_of_austerity__notoriety.html

    Interesting that the minimum prison sentence is 2 years…I’d always seen various months of time given as minimums.

    Sandusky’s charges will require many more years and Cleland could give him more than his lifetime full of time behind bars.

    “Assuming Judge John Cleland gives him at least two years – the minimum threshold for a state prison sentence – Sandusky’s first stop will be the Camp Hill state prison near Harrisburg, where all male inmates undergo a couple of weeks of testing to determine such things as mental and physical health, education level, and any treatment needs.”

    http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20121008_Sandusky_faces_life_of_austerity__notoriety.html

    “Prison officials will assign him a security-risk level and decide which “home prison” to send him to.

    Although Sandusky’s home in the Lemont area of State College is only a couple of miles from the state prison in Rockview, there is no way to predict where he will end up.

    Older inmates sometimes end up at Laurel Highlands, which can better treat more severe medical problems, or at Waymart, a comparatively lower-security prison in the state’s northeastern corner.”

    The article also says that there are no special holding areas for sex offenders who are integrated with the general population.

    Although the prison supplies Sandusky with clothes, shoes, bedding, and his first set of toiletries.
    He can take in “a wedding ring without gemstones, a basic watch worth $50 or less, eyeglasses, and dentures.”

    Uh, and I guess “Sandusky uses a machine for sleep apnea and takes medications.” What stops him from killing himself with his C-PAP machine?

    Here’s another article, just rehashed, (or ABC edited):

    http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8838904

  11. Word Girl says:

    Any wagers on whether JS will buy a television set for his cell?
    PSU games and all!

    Grrr.

  12. Word Girl says:

    Hmm. A question for the Blinksters who work in the field.

    I understand that many cells do not have electric outlets (assuming for fire damage, contraband anything, suicide).
    Some blogs I reviewed said that low-security prisons have outlets near a lower bunk, for example, for the inmate to use C-pap machine. (which also needs MD authorization).

    Perhaps Sandusky will eat a lot less and exercise a lot more and have no need for his Cpap?

  13. erose says:

    From a link within Beejays link. Really puts things in perspective. Reminds me of my state, WA. We continually are shocked (case in point Josh Powell) at how poorly things are run, how inept the system is to meet the practical needs of the children, and yet are still naive enough to think something far worse could be at play.
    ———————————————————–

    snips>

    York County Children and Youth Services has a long history of negligence, spanning several decades, leading to the death and injury of children. Time and again, corrupt court and county officials have intervened to protect the agency — and other insiders — from scrutiny, and blame.

    York County, meanwhile, continues to protect a courthouse security contractor with known ties to the paid sex trade. Chief Downing’s lawsuit also alleged that courthouse employees were using state police supplied computers to view child pornogrpahy.

    http://www.yardbird.com/a_town_gone_bad_a_history_of_child_endangerment.htm

  14. Word Girl says:

    I’m physically ill from the yardbird article. And hopeless.

    Spose you all will put up the pre-sentencing commentary. I’m waiting for a reporter to get to the heart of the matter.

  15. erose says:

    Am I right in thinking after tomorrow’s sentencing, there is little motivation for Sandusky to cooperate with any ongoing investigations. If we see some kind of lesser sentence, can we assume he helped to bring some others down? Are other indictments and arrests pending until after the sentencing, or totally unrelated. What I mean is, do they wait to close a chapter before opening another, because I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s time to move on from PSU, and get at TSM and the system.

  16. erose says:

    Am reading that Sandusky still maintains innocence, and will probably address the court saying that. Guess that means he is not cooperating, or could they be sending the message to those that might be involved that he is not cooperating.

  17. Word Girl says:

    Blink,
    Will you or one of your editors be on location for the sentencing?

    Remotely, but yes.

    B

  18. Word Girl says:

    First, I looked at myself,” Sandusky continued. “Over and over, I asked, why? Why didn’t we have a fair opportunity to prepare for trial? Why have so many people suffered as a result of false allegations? What’s the purpose? Maybe it will help others; some vulnerable children who could be abused, might not be because of all the publicity.
    “That would be nice, but I’m not sure about it. I would cherish the opportunity to become a candle for others, as they have been a light for me. They could take away my life, they could make me out as a monster, they could treat me as a monster, but they can’t take away my heart. In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts.”

    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf–jerry-sandusky-releases-audio-statement-on-eve-of-sentencing-hearing.html

  19. Word Girl says:

    There is certainly a ring of truth to JS words:

    “Evaluate the accusers and their families,” he said. “Realize they didn’t come out of isolation. The accusers were products of many more people and experiences than me. Look at their confidants and their honesty.”

    Does JS include himself in this statement?
    “Please realize all came to the Second Mile because of issues. Some of those may remain.”

    What an absolute sick bastard this man is to say such a thing. That’s coming back.
    B

  20. Word Girl says:

    This is the most pathetic and saddest-sounding excuse:

    “When we didn’t have time to prepare for a trial, we still gave it our best,” Sandusky said. “We will fight for another chance. We have given many second chances, and now we’ll ask for one.”

    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf–jerry-sandusky-releases-audio-statement-on-eve-of-sentencing-hearing.html
    (With thanks to Dan Wetzel for putting up this article.)

  21. Word Girl says:

    Here’s the transcript of that statement, from pennlive.

    “I’m responding to the worst loss of my life. First, I looked at myself. Over and over, I asked why? Why didn’t we have a fair opportunity to prepare for trial? Why have so many people suffered as a result of false allegations? What’s the purpose? Maybe it will help others; some vulnerable children who could be abused, might not be because of all the publicity. That would be nice, but I’m not sure about it.

    I would cherish the opportunity to become a candle for others, as they have been a light for me. They could take away my life, they could make me out as a monster, they could treat me as a monster, but they can’t take away my heart. In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts.

    My wife has been my only sex partner that was after marriage. Our love continues.

    A young man who was dramatic a veteran accuser, and always sought attention, started everything. He was joined by a well-orchestrated effort of the media, investigators, the system, Penn State, psychologists, civil attorneys and other accusers. They won. I’ve wondered what they really won: Attention, financial gain, prestige& will all be temporary.

    Before you blame me, as others have, look at everything and everybody. Look at the preparation for the trial and the trial. Compare it to others. Think about what happened. Why, and who made it happen? Evaluate the accusers and their families. Realize they didn’t come out of isolation. The accusers were products of many more people and experiences than me. Look at their confidants and their honesty. Think about how easy it was for them to turn on me given the information, attention and potential perks. I never labeled or put down them or their families. I tried and I cared, then asked for the same.
    Please realize all came to the Second Mile because of issues. Some of those may remain.

    We will continue to fight. We didn’t lose the proven facts, evidence, accurate locations and times. Anything can be said. We lost to speculation and stories that were influenced by people who wanted to convict me. We must fight unfairness and consistency and dishonesty. People need to be portrayed for who they really are. We’ve not been complainers. When we couldn’t have kids, we adopted. When we didn’t have time to prepare for a trial, we still gave it our best. We will fight for another chance. We have given many second chances, and now we’ll ask for one. It will take more than our effort.

    Justice will have to be more than just a word; fairness more than just a dream. It will take others: somebody apolitical with the courage to listen, to think about the unfairness, to have the guts to stand up and take the road less traveled. I ask for the strength to handle everything and willingness to surrender only to God, regardless of the outcome.”

    I absolutely- am in no- way surprised to read such drivel from this convicted sex offender.

    I am very surprised his attorney would allow this release. He is never getting out of prison, and he is insuring said fate with such a detached manipulation of his predicament.

    This hump. How he hoodwinked some of the most educated professionals is stupifying.

    B

  22. lizzy says:

    I assume others have posted this link by now, but here it is, just in case:
    http://onwardstate.com/2012/10/08/audio-and-transcript-jerry-sandusky-releases-statement-from-holding-cell/

  23. Rose says:

    I hope as part of his eval he got complete neuropsychological testing as well as a cat & f-mri.
    He functions as though perhaps he has some sort of longstanding, perhaps football
    concussion-related, dementia predating the coaching years affecting both frontal & temporal lobes.

    I truly wonder if a different defense counsel could have managed him better?
    Because the whole thing comes down to Jerry mgmt to me once accusations were lodged.

  24. Rose says:

    @erose. I think his statement conveys no messages but to Jerry himself. He is expressing for his own needs
    the essence of Jerry as he sees it. And his judgment is dementia-impaired.

  25. erose says:

    @Rose, TY. Apparently, he has not provided any information. I expect Cleland to come down hard, and not just because the crimes were so egregious, but because he abused his position of trust. I expect Cleland to say as much. Have not forgotten you were the first to put your stamp of approval on this judge. Seems it was well placed.

  26. Word Girl says:

    Rose,
    I second the dementia. At one time I suspected alcoholism.

    There is a definite immaturity about him. Listen to this:
    “…We will fight for another chance. We have given many second chances, and now we’ll ask for one.”
    (Don’t I get three wishes, three chances? …ha, just remembered an employee who was late for work two times and asked, “don’t I get 3 chances?”)

    One of my favorite JS lines: “People need to be portrayed for who they really are.” JS lived in his own world where he carried out his abuse and his “love” to meet his own sick needs.

    If only someone had seen how emotionally sick he was and got him off the streets decades ago.

  27. Rose says:

    wondered why Amendola waited 3 months to file a motion to get Bail collateral back.
    Then I realized the memory tickle was maybe he was ready to be paid

  28. mike says:

    what say ye to this?

    http://www.timesleader.com/stories/State-House-Dem-leaders-ask-for-federal-review-of-Sandusky-investigation-,218283

    I sayeth criminals are bipartisan. It should be investigated, period.
    B

  29. J. J in Phila says:

    @Rose, you wrote, “doesn’t it trouble you an LA born Californian just happened to get a job in Gricar’s Centre Cty office as his starting point? ”

    Sloane graduated from high school in Cambria County (Johnstown), went to Penn State and Dickinson Law (prior to its affiliation with Penn State). He started in Lancaster County, started at the Centre County DA’s Office in 1991-92, and was promptly laid off due to budget considerations. He really started there, without interruptions until the accident, in 1993.

    Gricar did the hiring. I don’t find it troubling, because he was probably a resident (excluding military) since the mid-70′s, if not the early 1960′s. The “least local” person on staff was Gricar, ironically.

  30. Local says:

    I found your site after a friend told me to check the news about the current ongoing Chris Lee investigation.

    Your site is very informative, even though there is a lot I don’t understand. I’ve been acquainted with Mr Lee for a while, and I wish I’d known about the things you’re mentioning 15 years ago. I was oblivious to the 2005 charges.

    Just thought I’d drop this link here in case you’re interested in it:http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/10/boal_mansion_museum_director_j.html

    I am not surprised, he received ARD after a plea deal, and one of the children refused to testify- he later petitioned to expunge his record. He could not. I had nearly forgotten until a colleague reminded me- I posted on Mr. Lee’s campaign facebook. There was no doubt in my mind he would re-offend.

    He is a serial criminal pedophile- and there is no known successful therapeutic outcome for treatment.

    I am still flummoxed at the community still having school tours, still allowing his request for student volunteers, etc. Oh- and did I mention that his former victims were “The Second Mile” children?

    B

  31. Riley Jones says:

    Is this blog still active?

    No, lol
    B

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