Jerry Sandusky was today sentenced to a term of 30 to 60 years on 45 counts of child molestation. The sentence is a certain death penalty for the 68 year old long time defensive coordinator of the Penn State college football team. Even if Sandusky were to live to be 98, when he would first be eligible for parole, we would likely be denied. The child molestation scandal and subsequent cover up nearly brought the entire PSU football program to an end. The school’s board of trustees moved to fire head coach Joe Paterno for his role, but were later replaced themselves as the state sought to erase all ties to the odious affair. The NCAA eventually sanctioned the school with fines of $60 million, years of bowl bans and losses of scholarships.

Eight of the victims that Sandusky was found guilty of molesting over a fifteen year period stood before the court and detailed the horrors of their ordeal. They told of the pain that they were caused and the pain that they continue to deal with. Tales of attempted suicide, guilt, shame and inability to function were met with defiance from Sandusky. Claiming his innocence and refuting the victims allegations, Sandusky vowed that though “they could take my freedom and my life, they cannot take my heart.”

So far, four victims have filed lawsuits against Sandusky and the university. Another twenty have surfaced and have retained legal teams, all presumably will be following suit. As one of the sanctions levied at the school by the NCAA, all of the wins over the 14 year period of cover up were abandoned. The memory of this terrible episode, however, will linger for many years.

Accusations of child molestation can ruin a person’s reputation long before the official criminal charges or actual conviction. That is why it is so important to obtain experienced legal representation from experienced Jacksonville criminal lawyer Mark Rosenblum, P.A. to defend you and protect your future. If you have been arrested for child molestation, sexual abuse or sexting, it is essential to obtain a legal counsel to speak on your behalf. For those who are falsely accused of child molestation, it is crucial to your to not attempt to clear your name with the police, as any misstatements can be used against you.