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Jerry Sandusky accuser expected to recant abuse claim

By Thomson Reuters Aug 28, 2026 | 1:03 PM

By Field Level Media

Aug 28 (Field Level Media) – One of Jerry Sandusky’s accusers reportedly plans to recant his testimony against ​the former Penn State defensive coordinator who ‌is serving a decades- long prison sentence for sexually abusing boys.

A judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for Sept. 8 in Bellefonte, Pa., ABC News reported ‌Thursday.

Sandusky, ​82, was convicted in ⁠2012 of 45 counts ⁠of sexual abuse involving multiple boys. He was sentenced to 30 to 60 years behind bars.

According to court documents obtained by ABC ​News and The Associated Press, a man identified as R.R. said he was coached ⁠by prosecutors before testifying.

“I ⁠was told — both directly and indirectly — ​that trauma may have fragmented my memory, and ​that I could safely affirm details I ‌did not fully recall. I was assured this was common and even expected,” R.R. said in an affidavit filed by Sandusky’s attorneys.

Sandusky ⁠served as head coach Joe Paterno’s defensive coordinator from 1977-99, winning national championships in 1982 and 1986. Penn ⁠State fired ‌Paterno amid the scandal on ⁠Nov. 9, 2011, and the legendary ​coach ‌died just 74 days later at ​age 85.

A ⁠2019 fiscal year audit by Penn State showed the university had paid $118 million to people who said Sandusky had sexually assaulted them, the Associated Press reported.

Sandusky has consistently declared his innocence.

(–Field ​Level Media)