Recently in Barry Sacks Category

The decision to serve time in a city jail vs. county jail must not be an easy one, for anybody. While city jails offer a safer, nicer place to do your time - you're likely gonna do all of it. While at the county's overcrowded jails, less serious, non-violent offenses can literally garner a get-out-of-jail-free card for first-timers way before their sentence is done.

Barry Sacks' defense attorney, Laurence Donoghue, said his client will start the lengthy search and application process to find a city jail to serve his 60 days. Sacks knows he'd likely get out of county jail way quicker, but his "concerns" for his safety among the county's hardened criminals (who don't like child molestors) sealed his decision to chose a pay-to-stay facility.

It's an option many former law enforcement personnel or Hollywood types have chosen. Zsa Zsa Gabor spent 72 hours in an El Segundo jail for slapping a Beverly Hills cop. Earlier this year, "24" star Kiefer Sutherland paid $85 a day to stay at Glendale's city jail for a drunk driving conviction.

To learn more about some of the Souty Bay's pay-to-stay jails, check out the jump.

The signs were all there this morning: Barry Sacks conferring with his lawyer in the hallway outside of the coutroom. Sacks filling out paperwork. Sacks' attorney and the prosecutor having lots of discussion while consulting the Penal Code.

But, it was not to be. Torrance Superior Court Judge Alan Honeycutt called the case, then called the attorneys to the bench for a five-minute discussion. I tried eavesdropping, but some other attorneys were talking between me and there. All I saw was Honeycutt shaking his head.

However, Honeycutt did order a protective order for the nine girls who claim Sacks touched them in ways that violated the law. Sacks can't have any contact with them, must stay 100 yards away and, of course, not molest, harass, annoy, etc. etc.

He returns to court Oct. 27. 

Previous entries on this case can be found here.

Heading over to Torrance court for the arraignment of former Palos Verdes Peninsula High School coach Barry Sacks, who has been charged with child molestation.

Sacks, 49, was arrested by members of the sheriff's Special Victims Unit on July 16, but was released the same day after posting $150,000 bail.

The alleged acts, said to be inappropriate touching, involved nine girls, who were all 15 and 16 years old, deputies said.

Sacks, who was fired from Peninsula, has also coached at Bishop Montgomery and Palos Verdes high schools and run youth camps.

We'll let you know what happens.

Previous stories

Some people appreciate the coverage of the court case against Barry Sacks. Others, not so much. The prevalent theme of those responding to today's story is "no-way, no-how." Here's a sampling:

I too, along with several former fellow students from the Peninsula are completely sickened by the malicious allegations against Mr. Sacks.  He has dedicated decades to children, including children with mental handicaps and a variety of other misfortunes. Children are his life and he has done so much for so many hundreds of them.  The ridiculous allegations by these girls has shattered his career and his life and put simply, it is a tragedy.

I look forward to hearing from the community about how I can help show my support for this remarkable, giving man who deserves so much for all he has given to so many children.

After we reported a couple weeks ago that former Peninsula High School coach Barry Sacks was arrested and charged with nine counts of misdemeanor child molestation, my e-mail inbox went crazy with reactions. In today's Daily Breeze, we explore some of those reactions - especially why Sacks was still running his day camp after his arrest and what those who know him have to say about him and the allegations.

Read today's story: Charges fuel mixed emotions

We have not allowed user comments after today's story. However, we're accepting comments here. We'll post those that are clean and not slanderous.

Previously: Peninsula coach arrest sparks reader reaction

Parents whose kids were coached by Barry Sacks over the years, and others, are having some strong reactions to news this morning that he is charged with nine counts of child molestation.

One reader wrote:

"Thank you for making me aware of this.  Coach Barry has worked with my kids, and they would have been in this Road Runner Program this year, but I followed my first mind and passed.

"I spoke to Barry July 24th on Penn's track working with his Road Runner Group, and I was none the wiser as to what was going on with his arrest. It seems that he was out on bail, and still working with kids alone.  You can gather from this that I am upset because the matter should have been brought to my attention as a parent with the PVPUSD when he was dismissed.

"How did u come across this information, and why did it take so long to be brought to my attention?"

I hate to tell ya this, but I came across this story the same way I do many others: I literally stumbled upon it yesterday morning at the courthouse. I heard and saw some things, got nosy and figured it out. I also feel it's unfortunate that law enforcement and school officials did not make us aware of this case sooner. I suggest that parents who agree let school officials know.