Sandusky to be resentenced next month in molestation case

HARRISBURG, PA. >> A state judge has ordered Jerry Sandusky be taken to a central Pennsylvania courtroom next month for resentencing on his 45-count child sexual abuse conviction, six months after an appeals court ruled mandatory minimums had been improperly applied.

Judge John Foradora filed an order Wednesday that scheduled the proceeding for Sept. 23.

Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, was convicted in 2012 of the sexual abuse of 10 boys, including attacks on campus. Victims testified he subjected them to abuse that ranged from grooming to violent sexual attacks. He was sentenced to 30 to 60 years, but that term was overturned by Superior Court in February.

Foradora directed Sandusky to be transported to appear at the hearing.

Sandusky’s defense lawyer has said it was not clear whether a substantially different sentence will result.

The state Supreme Court last month declined to grant Sandusky, 75, a chance to argue he deserves a new trial, and Sandusky defense attorney Al Lindsay said Thursday he is working on a petition that would seek relief in the federal courts.

“We’re anxious to have the sentencing reconsidered,” Lindsay said. “We are certainly going to argue for a shorter sentence.”

A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office declined comment.

Sandusky’s November 2011 arrest shook Penn State, prompting the firing of Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno and the ousting of then-university President Graham Spanier. The university subsequently paid more than $100 million to people who said they had been abused by Sandusky.