Jerry Sandusky sentencing: Ex-Penn State coach gets 30-60 years in prison

Jerry Sandusky has been sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for his sexual abuse crimes.

Sandusky’s attorney had previously stated that a best-case scenario for his client would be a 30-year sentence, which would mean he would be released at the age of 98 at the earliest. It’s unclear how the exact length of Sandusky’s sentence would be determined should he live to that age, but for now, the sentence is confirmed as being 30 to 60 years. Judge John Cleland said the term should be considered a life sentence.

The former Penn State assistant coach spoke on his own behalf in the hearing Tuesday morning, once again maintaining his innocence. On the opposing side were statements from Victim 5 as well as the mother of Victim 9.

Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 counts involving 10 different victims, crimes which carried a maximum of 442 years of jail time. Sandusky could have served as little as 10 years if a judge had ruled his sentences would be served concurrently.

Sandusky and his lawyers have made clear their attentions to appeal the guilty verdict, citing various issues with the way they were allowed to prepare for the trial.