Jerry Sandusky Interview: Lawyer Calls Sandusky 'Coward,' Says Client Ready to Testify
Former Penn State Coach's Public Defense May Have Backfired, Prompting More Victims to Come Forward
A client of attorney Ben Andreozzi is ready to testify against alleged pedophile Jerry Sandusky in court after hearing the former Penn State University coach deny in a nationally televised interview that he ever sexually abused young boys, according to The New York Times.
Sandusky, a former assistant football coach to legendary head coach Joe Paterno at Penn State, is charged with 40 counts of sexual assault for allegedly molesting eight boys over a period of 15 years, from 1994 to 2009.
He is suspected to have abused the boys during his participation in The Second Mile, a statewide non-profit organization that helps at-risk kids. Sandusky founded The Second Mile in 1977.
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After being released from jail on a $100,000 bail on Nov. 14, Sandusky took to the airwaves to defend himself, claiming he is not a pedophile.
"I shouldn't have showered with those kids," Sandusky told NBC's Bob Costas Monday.
"I am not sexually attracted to young boys," he added.
Critics remain skeptical of Sandusky's denial, especially because at least 10 more alleged victims have reportedly come forward claiming molestation by Sandusky.
"I am appalled by the fact that Mr. Sandusky has elected to re-victimize these young men at a time when they should be healing," attorney Andreozzi said in a statement released by his office.
"[My client] fully intends to testify that he was severely sexually assaulted by Mr. Sandusky," added the attorney.
According to Andreozzi, Sandusky's decision to publicly defend himself may have backfired.
"[The comments] have caused victims to be more motivated to testify against him," Andreozzi told The New York Times.
"He’s being a coward by refusing to admit to his culpability," Andreozzi added.
Tim Curley, the university's athletic director, and Gary Schultz, vice president for finance and business at Penn State, have been charged with perjury and failing to alert police of Sandusky's alleged sexual misdoings.
Paterno was fired from his position as Penn State's head football coach last week.
Sandusky will be back in court in Bellefont, Pa., on Dec. 7. Imported Judge Robert E. Scott will preside over the preliminary hearing of the case, titled Commonwealth (of Pennsylvania) v. Gerald Sandusky.
