Jerry Sandusky Audio Statement: Asks for Willingness to Surrender Only to God
Jerry Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for 45 counts of child sex abuse on Tuesday, a day after releasing an audio statement proclaiming his innocence. In June, the former Penn State assistant coach was found guilty of molesting 10 victims over a 15 year period.
His defense lawyer Joe Amendola told reporters after the sentence hearing that he will appeal within 10 days.
On Monday, Sandusky released an audio statement maintains his innocence, saying he "did not do these alleged disgusting acts" and that his wife has been his only sex partner after marriage. The 68-year-old said he would fight the conviction but asked for the "willingness to surrender only to God, regardless of the outcome."
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The following is a full transcript of Jerry Sandusky's audio 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.
Before you blame me, as others have, look at everything and everybody. Look at the preparation for the trial and the trial. Compare it to others. Think about what happened. Why, and who made it happen? Evaluate the accusers and their families. Realize they didn't come out of isolation. The accusers were products of many more people and experiences than me. Look at their confidants and their honesty. Think about how easy it was for them to turn on me given the information, attention and potential perks. I never labeled or put down them or their families. I tried and I cared, then asked for the same.
Please realize all came to the Second Mile because of issues. Some of those may remain.
We will continue to fight. We didn't lose the proven facts, evidence, accurate locations and times. Anything can be said. We lost to speculation and stories that were influenced by people who wanted to convict me. We must fight unfairness and consistency and dishonesty. People need to be portrayed for who they really are. We've not been complainers. When we couldn't have kids, we adopted. When we didn't have time to prepare for a trial, we still gave it our best. We will fight for another chance. We have given many second chances, and now we'll ask for one. It will take more than our effort.
Justice will have to be more than just a word; fairness more than just a dream. It will take others: somebody apolitical with the courage to listen, to think about the unfairness, to have the guts to stand up and take the road less traveled. I ask for the strength to handle everything and willingness to surrender only to God, regardless of the outcome.
