Jerry Sandusky pulling out all stops in efforts for new trial

It’s been 15 years since former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted on numerous charges of child sexual abuse. Now, Sandusky and his legal team are preparing a bid to seek a new trial.

On Tuesday, Sandusky appeared in a video conference at the Centre County Court to withdraw a recantation, per Robert Klemko of ESPN. Ryan Rittmeyer signed the recantation in a 2025 affidavit. Rittmeyer was one of the men to accuse Sandusky of sexual abuse.

Prosecutors expected Rittmeyer to testify. During the trial, Rittmeyer, who was known as Victim 10, testified that Sandusky had abused him in 1998 and 1999.

In November 2011, Sandusky was charged with child sexual abuse of young boys. Ultimately, he was convicted on 45 counts and sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison. Overall, the scandal became one of the most high-profile child abuse cases in history. Furthermore, it led to the termination of coach Joe Paterno.

Sandusky, 82, has maintained his innocence and has sought to overturn his conviction.

In addition, Sandusky’s lawyer Jerry Russo told ESPN he is looking into ways to seek a new trial in federal court.

“The courts disfavor recantation testimony,” Russo said, pointing to Pennsylvania case law precedents. “There’s no purpose litigating it here in state court.”

Additionally, he is looking into accusations that the prosecution had failed to provide exculpatory evidence before the trial.

“If you believe Jerry Sandusky was fairly treated by the court,” Russo said, “then you’re not going to hear what I have to say.”

“Read the record, and you will understand why I believe he’s innocent. That’s why I took this case.”

Sandusky’s wife Dottie has maintained her husband’s innocence. She attended court alongside Russo.

Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s office called the recantation “highly suspect.”

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