One of the accusers who testified against Jerry Sandusky during the former Penn State football assistant coach’s 2012 child sexual abuse trial is expected to recant his allegations at an upcoming evidentiary hearing. Court documents and reports outline the reversal from the witness, identified in records as Victim 10 or R.R. He plans to tell the court that Sandusky did not abuse him. Furthermore, a sworn affidavit states that investigators and prosecutors coached his previous testimony.
Victim 10 Set to Recant 2012 Testimony
In his June 2025 affidavit, the accuser states that his trial testimony was the result of extreme psychological pressure and leading questions rather than a clear memory of events. He claims that investigators told him his role was critical to stopping a predator. They also assured him that trauma may have fragmented his memory, making it acceptable to affirm details he could not fully recall.
Centre County Court Date Set for Sept. 8
Sandusky, now 82, is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 8 for an evidentiary hearing in Bellefonte. Specially Presiding Judge Maureen Skerda ordered the hearing after reviewing Sandusky’s post-conviction relief petition. While Judge Skerda rejected most arguments in the filing, she scheduled the September proceeding on the basis of the recantation claims made by Victim 10.
Former Deputy Attorney General Frank Fina is expected to testify at the September hearing regarding his interactions with the witness during trial preparations.
The 2012 Conviction and Charitable Ties
Sandusky was convicted in June 2012 of 45 counts of child sexual abuse involving 10 boys over a decade. The offenses involved youths he met through The Second Mile, a charity he founded for at-risk youth. In 2019, a judge reaffirmed Sandusky’s 30- to 60-year prison sentence. He is currently serving that time at SCI Laurel Highlands in Somerset County.
Appeals, Denials, and Ongoing Legal Battles
Throughout his imprisonment, Sandusky has maintained his innocence. He has told reporters that his accusers were coached and led in their testimony.
The Sept. 8 hearing will mark the latest courtroom proceeding in the post-conviction appeals process for the former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator.