Jerry Sandusky Regrets Not Testifying At Trial, Says Lawyer

Jerry Sandusky reportedly regrets not taking the stand during his child sex abuse trial, according to a statement by his defense lawyer on Wednesday.

The former Penn State assistant football coach’s attorney, Joe Amendola, announced that he has not yet received a presentence report from the county court system for Sandusky, meaning that the former coach will most likely be sentenced in October, reports The Washington Post.

The defense has also not decided whether they will contest a recommendation that Sandusky be declared a sexually violent predator under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, a move that would subject him to stringent reporting requirements if he is ever released on parole. Amendola stated:

“The reality is Jerry is going to get a sentence, which, if it’s not reversed on appeal, is going to be tantamount to a life sentence.”

Jerry Sandusky maintains his innocence in the case, acknowledging that while he showered with boys, he never molested them. He also wishes that he had taken the stand during the trial to dispute the claims made by several young men that accused the former assistant football coach of abuse.

ESPN notes that Pennsylvania criminal defendants are normally sentenced within three months of their conviction but that can be extended under certain circumstances. Amendola is already working on paperwork for post-trial motions, which cannot be filed until after Sandusky is sentenced.

The former Penn State coach will have 10 days to file the post-sentencing motions, and the judge will be given four or five months to rule on them. If Jerry Sandusky loses those efforts, he will have one month to appeal to Superior Court.