Jerry Sandusky, former Penn State coach convicted of sex abuse, seeks new trial after victim recants

Disgraced former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky appeared virtually in court on Tuesday and told a judge he understood his legal team’s move in seeking a new trial in federal court after one of his accusers recanted.Tainted victim testimony led to Sandusky’s wrongful conviction for child sexual abuse, according to his lawyers, who believe their client’s best chances for freedom now come from moving the case from the Pennsylvania system to a U.S.

courthouse.But in moving this case to another court, Sandusky’s legal team surrenders its right to litigate in state court claims that Victim No.10, identified in court papers as “R.R.,” was allegedly manipulated into misleading testimony.Sandusky, 82, an inmate at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Laurel Highland serving a term of at least 30 years, was convicted after multiple young men testified they were sexually abused by the former assistant coach as boys.

Sandusky used his good name in the community and his nonprofit, The Second Mile, to meet victims, prosecutors have said.Judge Maureen Skerda asked Sandusky, who appeared via video feed from prison, if he understood his legal team’s actions and he confirmed that he did.“I’m making this decision on advice of counsel,” Sandusky said, according to the Associated Press.Judge Skerda later ruled that “the Court being satisfied that Mr.Sandusky has been fully informed of his rights and understood Counsel’s action in withdrawing the claim concerning R.R.’s recantation, the Court hereby” dismisses the coach’s state court bid for post-conviction relief.His appellate attorneys claim that damaging testimony from several alleged victims have been subsequently shown to be problematic, particularly Victim 10, “R.R.” That victim came forward with “new evidence” on June 30, 2025, that he had been “approached by state investigators who told me that my role was critical to stopping a predator,” according to Sandusky’s defense te...