Sandusky Surprises Lawyer with Tape Denying 'Alleged Disgusting Acts'; Sentencing Today
Jerry Sandusky surprised his lawyer in advance of today’s sentencing by sending a taped statement to a news website and radio station run by Penn State students.
Sandusky is expected to maintain his innocence at today’s hearing, report the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Associated Press. Despite that strategy, Sandusky lawyer Karl Rominger was surprised by the tape, the Philadelphia Inquirer says.
“I had not seen that statement prior to the release,” Rominger told CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “We would tell him probably not to do it, but given the mandatory minimums in this case it’s probably not going to make much of a difference.”
In the statement, Sandusky denied the “alleged disgusting acts” and said he was not given a fair opportunity to prepare for trial, an issue likely to be raised in his appeal.
The Patriot-News published the full statement; the Associated Press also has a report. Here is part of the statement:
“I’m responding to the worst loss of my life. First, I looked at myself. Over and over, I asked why? Why didn’t we have a fair opportunity to prepare for trial? Why have so many people suffered as a result of false allegations? What’s the purpose? Maybe it will help others; some vulnerable children who could be abused, might not be because of all the publicity. That would be nice, but I’m not sure about it.
“I would cherish the opportunity to become a candle for others, as they have been a light for me. They could take away my life, they could make me out as a monster, they could treat me as a monster, but they can’t take away my heart. In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts.
“My wife has been my only sex partner that was after marriage. Our love continues.
“A young man who was dramatic, a veteran accuser, and always sought attention, started everything. He was joined by a well-orchestrated effort of the media, investigators, the system, Penn State, psychologists, civil attorneys and other accusers. They won. I’ve wondered what they really won: Attention, financial gain, prestige will all be temporary.”
