Court documents show that one of Jerry Sandusky’s accusers plans to retract his testimony. The former Penn State coach, 82, will have a court hearing on September 8 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Victim 10, also known as R.R., is set to recant his statements against Sandusky.
An affidavit from June 30, 2025, reveals that Victim 10 felt pressured to alter his story. He claims intense pressure and manipulation from investigators and prosecutors, notably Joe McGettigan, influenced his testimony.
Victim 10 expressed regret for participating in the trial, believing it was flawed. He cited being misled by McGettigan, who passed away in December 2025. The case significantly impacted Penn State, leading to Joe Paterno’s firing in 2011.
Sandusky is serving a 30 to 60-year sentence for 45 charges of sexual abuse, convicted in 2012. Despite Victim 10’s potential recantation, Sandusky’s release remains unlikely.
Sandusky’s legal team highlighted that Victim 10 was advised he could confidently confirm memories he did not fully remember. Victim 10 feared that deviating from expected testimony might allow Sandusky to avoid punishment.
Victim 10 described coaching by prosecution during a six-hour pretrial meeting, where his account was reshaped. He urged the court to consider his uncertainty and external pressures as factors in his testimony.
Victim 10’s estranged wife may testify, claiming that he initially denied Sandusky’s abuse. However, the Attorney General’s office deemed her views irrelevant.
Victim 10, awarded $5.5 million in a civil suit against Penn State, has not clarified how this development affects his accusations or settlement. His attorney, Andrew Shubin, declined to comment on the case.
Since the accusations began, Sandusky has asserted his innocence. His role at Penn State lasted from 1969 to 1999, and he founded The Second Mile, a charity for youth, in 1977. The charity ceased in 2011 following his arrest.