Judge will hear recantation of sexual abuse claim against ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky

A court hearing has been scheduled for September 8th to examine allegations of a man who wishes to recant his claim of sexual abuse by former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky, now 82, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his conviction on 45 counts of sexual abuse against multiple boys in 2012.

He has unsuccessfully sought a new trial on several occasions. Identified as R.R. in court documents, the man claims in his affidavit that he was coached by authorities to affirm details he did not fully recall, with officials telling him that his memory may have been fragmented and that his recantation was a common and expected response.

R.R.'s petition has been deemed untimely by state prosecutors. Sandusky was a prominent figure in college football, coaching at one of the nation's premier programs under the late Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno. His involvement in the scandal resulted in Paterno's dismissal, and the university disbursed over $100 million in compensation to abuse victims.

Sandusky maintains his innocence, stating during a 2019 court appearance that he cannot admit remorse for the acts he did not commit. Authorities allege that Sandusky targeted and groomed victims at The Second Mile, a charity he founded for at-risk youth, where eight young men testified against him.