Sandusky withdraws recantation claim as new-trial bid continues
The former Penn State defensive coordinator and his lawyers abandoned a claim involving an accuser who sought to recant allegations during a Centre County Court hearing.
Jerry Sandusky and his legal team reportedly withdrew a recantation-related claim during a Centre County Court hearing, while the former Penn State defensive coordinator continues pursuing a new trial in a higher court.
The 82-year-old agreed to withdraw the claim by video from prison, according to Yahoo Sports, citing multiple reports. The hearing proceeded despite a motion filed by Sandusky’s lawyers the previous week.
The claim involved an accuser identified in court documents as “Victim 10”, who sought to recant allegations that Sandusky abused him in the late 1990s. A June 2025 affidavit alleged psychological and institutional pressure, leading questions and prosecutorial coaching. Those claims have not been established as fact in the supplied material.
Sandusky reportedly confirmed he was not pressured, threatened or offered assurances to abandon the claim. The material does not explain why his legal team changed course or provide a complete account of the court’s ruling.
Sandusky was convicted in 2012 of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and sentenced to 30–60 years in prison. Reports described him as frail during the hearing and said he had difficulty hearing questions.
