Penn State Accuser Prepares to Recant Testimony Against Jerry Sandusky

Court documents revealed that one of the 10 individuals accusing former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky of sexual abuse plans to recant his testimony. Sandusky, now 82, is scheduled to participate in an evidentiary hearing on September 8 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. This follows a judge’s approval to examine evidence indicating that the accuser, referred to as R.R. or Victim 10, has withdrawn or significantly altered his previous court testimony.

According to a signed affidavit dated June 30, 2025, Victim 10 explained that he felt compelled to modify his account. He reported that his testimony underwent changes due to “leading questions, intense investigative pressure, and psychological manipulation.” Victim 10 stated, “I was misled repeatedly during the process, particularly by prosecutor Joe McGettigan,” expressing regret for his involvement in what he now sees as a flawed prosecution.

Despite any potential dismissal of charges related to Victim 10, Sandusky is unlikely to be released. He is currently serving a 30- to 60-year sentence following his 2012 conviction on 45 counts of sexual abuse. Sandusky has maintained his innocence since the allegations first surfaced.

Sandusky’s lawyers, in their motion for a trial, underscored Victim 10’s claim that he was informed his trauma might have impaired his memory, suggesting he “could safely affirm details that he did not fully recall.” Victim 10 believed that failing to present testimony as anticipated by prosecutors would permit Sandusky to evade justice.

Victim 10 revealed he participated in pretrial sessions designed to tailor his responses to align with prosecutorial expectations. “I ask the courts and any fair-minded reader to consider that my testimony may have reflected not willful falsehood, but a tragic convergence of memory uncertainty, professional suggestion, prosecutorial coercion, and my own vulnerability,” he remarked.

The affidavit from Sandusky’s legal team also mentions that Victim 10’s estranged wife intends to testify about his initial denial of any abuse by Sandusky. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office responded to ABC News, stating the woman’s reflections, many years post-trial, are “irrelevant and inadmissible.” Victim 10 previously received a $5.5 million settlement from a civil suit against Penn State. His response regarding whether all or specific accusations are being recanted remains pending. Queries about the settlement funds have gone unanswered.

Attorney Andrew Shubin, named by Victim 10 as part of his legal representation during the civil suit, withheld comments regarding whether he continues to represent Victim 10. Sandusky, who has continuously asserted his innocence, served as an assistant on Joe Paterno’s staff from 1969 to 1999. His foundation, The Second Mile, was established in 1977 and ceased operations in 2011 following Sandusky’s arrest. The charity aimed to support underprivileged youth and was the avenue through which Sandusky met many victims.