A Centre County judge has granted a hearing to consider a request from a man identified only as R.R. to recant his earlier testimony accusing former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky of sexual abuse. The hearing is scheduled for September 8.
Background of the case
Jerry Sandusky, now 82, has been serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted in 2012 on 45 counts of sexual abuse involving young men who were coached at Penn State. The scandal led to the dismissal of legendary head coach Joe Paterno and resulted in the university paying more than $100 million to victims.
R.R., who was 25 at the time of the original trial, testified that he was 11 when Sandusky allegedly performed oral sex in the coach’s basement in 1998. He also recounted being threatened that he would never see his family again if he spoke out.
Recantation request
In an affidavit filed by Sandusky’s attorneys, R.R. claims his original statements were the product of “suggestive leading questioning, prosecutorial coercion and influence, confirmatory bias and memory manipulation.” He says authorities coached him extensively and told him that trauma could fragment his memory, making it safe to affirm details he did not fully recall.
Sandusky’s legal team argues that the original testimony was unreliable and that a new trial should be considered. The defense has repeatedly sought a new trial, though previous attempts have been denied.
State response
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General described R.R.’s recantation as “highly suspect,” indicating skepticism about the credibility of the new claim.
Sandusky has consistently maintained his innocence, stating in a 2019 court appearance, “I apologize that I’m unable to admit remorse for this because it’s something that I didn’t do.”
Implications
The upcoming hearing will determine whether the court will allow the recantation to be presented and whether it could affect the status of Sandusky’s conviction. While the case remains a focal point for discussions about victim testimony and prosecutorial conduct, the legal outcome will hinge on the judge’s assessment of the new affidavit and any supporting evidence.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
