Pedophile Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky re-sentenced to original term of 30 to 60 years, but still proclaims his innocence
Infamous former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky has been resentenced to 30 to 60 years behind bars for the sexual abuse of at least 10 young boys. Sandusky was charged for sexually abusing children in 2012, leading to massive upheaval and public outcry.
At the time, Sandusky was sentenced to the mandatory minimum of 30 years behind bars. In February, however, the sentence was overturned by Pennsylvania's Superior Court citing a Supreme Court case law that said it was unfair for the mandatory minimum to be imposed.
With the resentencing came the possibility that the 75-year-old could be given a lesser term. The former coach has reportedly been fighting for a retrial and claims he is innocent.
When asked if he still denied the charges as he entered the courthouse on November 22, Sandusky reportedly answered "Absolutely", according to the Daily Mail. Judge Maureen Skerda, however, seems to have seen things differently as she upheld the original sentence.
Sandusky's original 2012 judgment found him guilty of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and he was sentenced to 30 to 60 years. According to the prosecutors, Sandusky raped and molested dozens of children over a period of 15 years between 1994 and 2009.
He reportedly used a charity he had founded for at-risk youth as a convenient cover that allowed him to prey on vulnerable boys.
During the 2012 trial, eight young men told the court that Sandusky had subjected them to a range of abuse, from grooming to violent physical attacks. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Sandusky has maintained his innocence. In October, his lawyers initiated a federal court action seeking a new trial or release from prison.
Sandusky now has another 23 years to serve in prison before he can even be found eligible for parole. In June, authorities reportedly announced that they were investigating yet another alleged crime committed by Sandusky.
Sandusky's arrest in November 2011 led to the firing of Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno and the ousting of then-university President Graham Spanier. Since then, the university has paid more than $100 million to Sandusky's victims.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said: "Today with Jerry Sandusky’s re-sentencing, justice was again achieved for his victims and they can close this chapter knowing that this predator will remain behind bars for the rest of his life."
"My office is dedicated to protecting children in Pennsylvania and holding those who hurt them accountable, no matter how powerful or connected," he added.