Sandusky appeal for new trial denied
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Harrisburg, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - A Pennsylvania Superior Court panel has denied former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky's appeal for a new trial on his child sexual abuse conviction.
Sandusky was sentenced to 30-to-60 years in prison last October after he was found guilty in June 2012 on 45 counts charging him with sexual abuse of 10 boys over a 15-year period.
Wednesday's ruling was issued two weeks after the three-judge panel heard oral arguments from defense attorneys and prosecutors.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sandusky's attorneys had stated that Judge John M. Cleland erred in certain instances during the trial, including the denial of defense requests for more time to prepare and jury instruction. Another issue for appeal was an improper comment by the prosecution during the closing argument on the defendant's failure to testify.
In Wednesday's lengthy opinion, the panel agreed with prosecutors on each of the defense's claims.
The 69-year-old Sandusky has always maintained his innocence and an appeal to the state Supreme Court is likely.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sandusky's arrest in November 2011 brought down the Penn State football program, tarnished the legacy of the late Joe Paterno and scarred the entire university.