Howard A. Janet, Counsel for Sandusky "Victim 6," Sets Record Straight On "Dinner Defense"

BALTIMORE, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Howard A. Janet, newly retained counsel for  "Victim 6" of accused pedophile Jerry Sandusky, released a statement today in response to contentions made by Sandusky's lawyer that victims' attendance at a dinner with Sandusky and his wife last summer suggest his client's innocence, or worse, the victims' tacit approval of Sandusky's behavior toward them. (http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/11/sanduskys_attorney_says_severa.html)

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111202/DA16524-a)

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111202/DA16524-b)

"It is grotesque that Sandusky or his lawyer would suggest that a victim of molestation attending a dinner Sandusky invited him to is somehow a defense to the indefensible actions of which Sandusky has been accused.  Two sets of facts unequivocally pop this defense trial balloon:

1. The July dinner was initiated and arranged by Sandusky AFTER he found out he was under investigation by a Grand Jury.  It was pitched to prospective attendees as an opportunity to catch up with former Second Mile participants. (http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/jerry_sandusky_former_penn_sta.html)
2. 'Victim 6' quickly notified police of the dinner invitation.  Police gave their seal of approval for him to attend.  They even wanted him to wear an electronic listening device. Though he opted not to wear the 'wire' because he was nervous about doing so, he reported details back to law enforcement.

"Sandusky's actions in July 2011 prompt more questions than answers:

• Why was he arranging to meet with victims while under investigation?
• Was he trying to tamper with or improperly influence potential witnesses?
• Was trying to use the victims' attendance at dinner to discredit their accusations against him part of a devious strategic plan of defense?
• Did he plan all along to try to influence the public or the jury pool by pointing to victims' attendance at the dinner?
• Why did he keep showering these children with gifts and access to Penn State football games long after they left the Second Mile program and had become adults?
• Does he truly believe that 'relationships' can be built on the sort of inappropriate interactions he is accused of initiating with these boys?

"Hopefully, as a result of 'Victim 6' and others having the courage to come forward not only will justice be done, but it will aid in their healing.  We have a responsibility to shine a bright light on the practice of 'grooming' vulnerable children for sexual activity--especially when it is enabled by institutional indifference.  Today, we call on Sandusky and his lawyer to stop the manipulation and mental abuse of these former Second Mile children and Penn State devotees so that this matter may be resolved quickly and the healing may get underway."

Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC (MyAdvocates.com) is recognized as one of the nation's most high- powered plaintiff's trial firms. It represents individuals, communities and state governments against some of the country's largest institutions and corporations, and is recognized as a Tier One Firm in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers rankings.  Kenneth M. Suggs is joining Howard A. Janet in the representation of "Victim 6".  Both are Best Lawyers 2012 Lawyers of the Year.  Suggs is a former president of the American Association of Justice, formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.  Janet and Suggs have amassed numerous landmark verdicts and settlements and have expanded victims' rights along the way.  The firm devotes a substantial part of its practice to advocating for children.  

SOURCE Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC