Jerry Sandusky is about to hear what sentence the judge will impose for his conviction on dozens of counts of child sexual abuse.

 

Jerry Sandusky
Jerry Sandusky (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
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Judge John Cleland will hand down a sentence Tuesday that even lawyers for the former Penn State assistant coach say is likely to send Sandusky to prison for the rest of his life.

Sandusky in a statement on Monday played on a Penn State student radio station maintained his innocence in the case citing a mass conspiracy against him at the school's highest levels. Sandusky lawyer Joe Amendola said "it's as certain as certain can be" that Sandusky will address Cleland and assert his innocence before he is sentenced.

Several of Sandusky's victims plan to address the court as well today.

Sandusky is  convicted of 45 counts involving 10 victims over 15 years. He met most if not all of the boys through a charity for at-risk youth he founded in 1977.

The 68-year-old Sandusky maintains his innocence and plans to appeal.

After Tuesday's sentencing hearing, Sandusky most likely would be sent to Camp Hill state prison. There, he would be tested and evaluated by Department of Corrections personnel, who will determine to which institution he will be sent.

Eight of the victims testified, describing a range of abuse that included grooming, fondling, oral sex and anal sex. Eight lawyers are currently representing 20 people who have sued or are potential civil claimants.

Judge Cleland is maintaining tight control on the release of his ruling by the media. While reporters are allowed in the courtroom with computers and phones, they must sync their device to a clock posted in the front of the courtroom. Anyone tweeting or posting prior to when Cleland gives permission could face punishment. Organizations using early information could also face punishment.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

 

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