BELLEFONTE, Pa. — A jury found former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky guilty of sexually abusing young boys late Friday, after a day and a half of deliberations.
Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 counts, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and corruption of minors, FOX News Channel reported. There was at least one conviction affecting each of his accusers.
A FOX producer who was inside the court when the verdict was announced said Sandusky kept his eyes on the jurors and showed no expression.
A crowd outside the courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa., cheered as news of the verdict was released about 10:10pm ET.
The 68-year-old was led away from the court in handcuffs wearing khaki trousers and a brown jacket, and did not speak to reporters as he was placed in a patrol car.
Jerry Sandusky faces up to 442 years in prison for his crimes. (Reuters)
He is expected to be sentenced in about three months and will be held at Centre County Correctional Facility in the meantime.
In the aftermath of the verdict being announced, Sandusky’s wife Dottie was reported to be looking sad but not crying, while one of the couple’s adopted sons was in tears.
Sandusky’s lawyer, Joe Amendola, told reporters, “The Sandusky family is very disappointed by the verdict obviously but we respect their verdict.”
Asked if the verdict was proof his client was sick, Amendola drew loud boos by saying, “The answer is no, you know folks there are lots of people sitting in jails across this country who are innocent.”
At least one of Sandusky’s victims was crying in the court with his parents and supporters, and was unable to speak, reporters said. Lawyers acting on behalf of the victims said, “The verdict is a direct result of the victims’ inspiring courage. Our clients are relieved about the outcome of this trial and are grateful for the support they have received from their families, and from the nation, as they continue on their path to healing.”
Sandusky had pleaded not guilty to molesting 10 boys over a 15-year period, using his charity, Second Mile, to meet and maintain contact with children.
The university for which Sandusky made his career as a coach welcomed the jury’s verdict and said in a statement, “No verdict can undo the pain and suffering … but we do hope this judgment helps the victims and their families along their path to healing.”
It added, “We can and do accept the responsibility to take action on the societal issue of child sexual abuse. The university is committed to ensuring that our campuses are safe for children and to being a constructive participant in building greater awareness of child sexual abuse.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said he wanted to “commend the multiple victims in this case who had the courage to come forward and testify in court, confronting Sandusky, and proving beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty of these reprehensible crimes.”
The family of longstanding Penn State football coach Joe Paterno — who died in February having been fired over the scandal, amid claims he knew about Sandusky’s behavior and did not tell police — said, “Although we understand the task of healing is just beginning, today’s verdict is an important milestone.
“The community owes a measure of gratitude to the jurors for their diligent service. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and their families.”
The judge allowed jurors the right to speak to the media, but all 12 declined to do so.