Jerry Sandusky Sentenced To 30-60 Years
By Tony Romeo, Ben Simmoneau, Steve Beck
BELLEFONTE, Pa. (CBS) -- Nearly four months after his child sex abuse conviction in a case that rocked Penn State University, former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was sentenced to no less than 30 years and no more than 60 years in prison Tuesday. He was given credit for 112 days of time served and must pay the cost of prosecution and $1,706 in restitution.
The sentence essentially guarantees that Sandusky will spend the rest of his life in prison.
"That has the unmistakable impact of staying in prison for the rest of your life," Judge John Cleland said during sentencing.
"It is perhaps the ultimate tragedy that all the qualities that made you so successful concealed all the vices, and it is all those qualities that in my view make you dangerous," said Cleland.
Sandusky will remain at the Centre County Prison for 10 days and will then be transferred to the state prison at Camp Hill.
Sandusky, 68, was convicted in June on 45 counts of sexual abuse that involved 10 boys over a 15 year span. (Read Related Story)
Penn State President Rodney Erickson released the following statement regarding Sandusky's sentence:
"Our thoughts today, as they have been for the last year, go out to the victims of Jerry Sandusky's abuse. While today's sentence cannot erase what has happened, hopefully it will provide comfort to those affected by these horrible events and help them continue down the road to recovery."
Cameras were rolling as Sandusky arrived to court at 8:44 a.m. Tuesday. He was dressed in a red jumpsuit with handcuffs on his wrists. He said nothing as he was led into court by a sheriff's deputy.
During his sentencing, Sandusky read a statement that started off: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak today. I feel the need to talk, not from arrogance, from my heart ... I'm filled with emotion, filled with determination. I didn't do these alleged disgusting acts." To read Sandusky's full statement, click here.
Lead prosecutor Joe McGettigan said Sandusky displayed deviance, narcissism, a lack of feeling for the pain he caused others.
"Without any acceptance of responsibility, it was entirely self focused as if he were the victim," said McGettigan.
VIEW: Sentencing Day Photos
Before Sandusky was sentenced, a hearing was held in the courtroom that designated Sandusky as a sexually violent predator under Pennsylvania's "Megan's Law."
On Monday, a recorded statement that Sandusky read from his prison cell in Bellefonte was released. In the statement, Sandusky continued to profess his innocence.
The statement was first aired on ComRadio Monday at 6 p.m., a day before Sandusky's sentencing.
Here is some of what Sandusky said:
"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."
To read Sandusky's full statement, click here.
The Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal sent shockwaves throughout the entire Penn State campus. Long-time head coach Joe Paterno was fired in November 2011 and passed away on January 22nd, 2012. In July of this year, the NCAA levied unprecedented sanctions against the football program. The sanctions include a four-year postseason bowl game ban and a $60 million fine. (Read Related Story)
On July 12th of this year, a damaging report conducted by former FBI Director Louis Freeh said that Paterno, former President Graham Spanier, former athletic director Tim Curley and retired vice president Gary Schulz did not report a 2001 complaint against Sandusky. The Freeh Report said that in order to avoid negative publicity for the school, critical facts were "repeatedly concealed." (Read Related Story)
Curley and Schulz have been charged criminally with failure to report suspected child abuse and perjury. They have pleaded innocent and are awaiting trial.
The Freeh Report has been widely disputed by many, including Paterno's family and several alumni groups.
VIEW: Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal Coverage
* In Pennsylvania, you can report child sexual abuse to the Department of Public Welfare's ChildLine at (800) 932-0313. *
