Today in Bellefonte, Judge Cleland heard brief comments from both the defense of Jerry Sandusky and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

After discussing several issues on the defense’s pre-trial motion, Joe Amendola announced that his defense team would withdrawal the request to drop charges against Sandusky.

Prior to Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution explained to the defense that due to ongoing investigations, there is the possibility for additional discovery of evidence. Therefore, the request to dismiss charges was deemed “premature.” Consequently, Amendola understandably withdrew his request to drop charges. He hopes that the motion will be dismissed “without prejudice.” This action would give the Sandusky’s defense the ability to submit the same motion at a later date.

Jerry Sandusky was accompanied by his wife, Dottie, into the Centre County Courthouse. Some in the room mentioned Sandusky’s noticeable slouch in his chair and typical grin.

“Jerry had a restless night,” Amendola said after the hearing. However, Amendola also suggested that Sandusky is in better spirits now that he’s permitted to meet with friends and grandchildren.

Judge Cleland said he would rule on these matters mid-next week at the earliest. The target date for the upcoming trial, in which Sandusky is charged with 52 counts of sexual abuse against 12 different minors, is set for June 5^th, 2012. Prosecutor Joseph McGettigan said that he anticipates the trial lasting “more than two weeks.”