He was arraigned this morning on charges of perjury, obstruction, endangering the welfare of children, failure to properly report suspected abuse and conspiracy related to the Jerry Sandusky case.
Former Penn State University President Graham Spanier was freed today on $125,000 bail after a hearing.
Spanier, accompanied by his wife, signed paperwork after his bail was set at $125,000, but he was not required to post any of that amount. He was ordered to forfeit his passport and be fingerprinted.
After the brief court appearance, defense attorney Elizabeth Ainslie told reporters Graham is “not guilty, absolutely” and disputed prosecutors’ claims Spanier conspired with university athletic director Tim Curley and Vice President Gary Schultz. She said Spanier, who testified before a grand jury in the matter, has not been given the opportunity to present his side of the story.
“This wasn’t a conspiracy of silence,” she said, echoing the charge made last week by state Attorney General Linda Kelly. “That is ridiculous.”
Spanier, 64, was charged last week with perjury, obstruction, endangering the welfare of children, failure to properly report suspected abuse and conspiracy for his actions in response to complaints about Sandusky showering with children. Spanier has claimed he is being framed for political purposes.
He served as Penn State’s president for 16 years but was forced out a year ago after Sandusky was charged along with Curley and Schultz, who were two of Spanier’s top underlings. Spanier is on paid leave as a member of the faculty.