Sandusky Convicted Of Sex Offenses, Plans Appeal

Former Penn State Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky insists that he is innocent despite a jury finding him guilty on 45 of 48 counts of sex offenses against 10 boys over the course of 15 years. Sixty-eight-year-old Sandusky is now in jail, awaiting sentencing. He was placed on suicide watch and held away from other prisoners while awaiting a psychological review.

Sandusky asserts that he is not suicidal and wants the review conducted quickly so that he can receive visits from family and friends. A judge has ordered an evaluation of whether Sandusky should be classified as a sexual predator, a decision that would help determine where he will be housed during his prison sentence. Based on mandatory minimums, it is likely that Sandusky will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The maximum penalty he could face is over 400 years in prison.

The investigation into Sandusky’s criminal behavior with minors began after a parent complained in 2009. The Pennsylvania State Attorney General filed charges against the former football coach in 2011.

Sandusky says he intends to pursue an appeal to clear his name and that of his family. He maintains that he has been faithful to his wife Dottie throughout their marriage and that the jury verdict is an insult to her.

Matt Sandusky, the 33-year-old adopted son of the Sandusky’s, has since come forward with sexual abuse allegations against his adoptive father as well.

Source: Reuters, “Sandusky insists he is innocent of child sex abuse-lawyer,” Chris Francescani, June 25, 2012