RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sources24/7 Live Philadelphia Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Jerry Sandusky 'I am an innocent man': Jerry Sandusky speaks from prison ahead of court hearing | EXCLUSIVE By Chad Pradelli and Cheryl Mettendorf Friday, August 28, 2026 10:21PM Jerry Sandusky speaks from prison ahead of court hearing | EXCLUSIVE SOMERSET, Pa. (WPVI) -- A judge has granted a hearing to explore claims that a man wants to recant allegations of sexual abuse years ago by now-former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.
Sandusky, 82, has been serving a decades-long prison sentence since he was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse involving multiple boys in 2012. He has repeatedly lost efforts to get a new trial.
A man identified in court documents as R.R. said he was coached extensively by authorities.
"I was told -- both directly and indirectly -- that trauma may have fragmented my memory, and that I could safely affirm details I did not fully recall. I was assured this was common and even expected," R.R. said in an affidavit filed by Sandusky's attorneys.
A court hearing in Centre County has been scheduled for Sept. 8. It is not known whether Sandusky will appear.
On Friday, Sandusky spoke exclusively with Action News Investigative Reporter Chad Pradelli by phone from state prison in Somerset County.
"This is the worst experience of my life. I am an innocent man, and I have been convicted by so many people with their own personal agendas, and this was an opportunity to take advantage of a tremendous financial gain," said Sandusky.
He said he is obsessed with letting the world know the truth.
WATCH FULL: Jerry Sandusky speaks from prison ahead of court hearing | EXCLUSIVE
Sandusky maintains his innocence and says the door is at least open with his new hearing next month to get a new trial.
"I want to be home in the worst way, and I want my grandkids to know the truth," Sandusky said.
Sandusky told Action News that he believes that money was the driving factor in the allegations against him and his conviction on 35 counts of sexual abuse of 10 victims.
"Money became such a huge motive for everybody, and they incentivized the accusers and led them," he said. "Without leading, the accusers in the beginning didn't make allegations."
SEE ALSO | Jerry Sandusky resentenced to 30 - 60 years in prison, same as before, in Penn State child sex abuse case
New attorneys for Sandusky are expected to argue in a Centre County court next month that Sandusky received ineffective counsel.
And, more importantly, prosecutors Joe McGettigan and Frank Fina coached the victims into making false allegations.
An accuser known as Victim 10, who testified for the prosecution at Sandusky's trial, is now prepared to tell the court Sandusky did not abuse him.
Court records say the victims' accusations were the result of "investigative pressure" and " psychological manipulation."
"I believe 100% he is innocent and I didn't begin that way," said Frank Parlato, an investigative journalist who's been immersed in the case for three years and is producing a documentary on the trial.
He too is expected to testify, as well as the mother of another victim.
"Her son was coached from a position of 'Jerry didn't do anything to me' to 'Jerry molested me' by the same prosecutors," Parlato said.
Sandusky's victims were all connected to his charity for troubled youth called The Second Mile.
"Each of them had issues," Sandusky said. "Each one of them were in our program because of issues."
But a jury believed them and a judge sentenced Sandusky to 30 to 60 years.
On Friday, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office released a statement saying, "The defense will be requesting a new trial during these proceedings, based primarily on a highly suspect recantation that was offered by the defense."
"Did you molest any of these children that accused you in court or any others?" asked Pradelli. "No," Sandusky replied.
The Action News Investigative Team reached out to Frank Fina for comment, but our phone calls and emails were unreturned.
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