Sandusky wants to be 'a little candle' for others

Former Penn State University Assistant Football coach, Jerry Sandusky, was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison today, a sentence that will effectively mean life. During his sentencing, he proclaimed his innocence and his attorneys are preparing an appeal.

BELLEFONTE, PA (Catholic Online) - Sandusky could have been sentenced to 400 years, however the judge John Cleland explained felt the sentence was enough, since he was already 68-years-old. 
He explained to Sandusky that he would be in prison, "for the rest of your life." 

Leland continued, "The crime is not only what you did to their bodies but to their psyches and their souls and the assault to the well-being of the larger community in which we all live."

Meanwhile, Sandusky's attorney told reporters outside he felt the trial was rushed and he was not given enough time to prepare an adequate defense. He said he would file an appeal within 10 days. 

Four of Sandusky's victims and the mother of a fifth addressed the court at today's sentencing. "You were the person in my life who was supposed to be a role model, teach honor, respect, and accountability, and instead you did terrible things that screwed up my life," said one victim. 

All of the victims explained that their lives were shattered by the perverse and brutal crimes Sandusky committed. 

One even blasted Sandusky for taking the case to trial, commenting, "You had the chance to plead guilty and spare us the testimony. Rather than take the accountability, you decided to try to attack us as if we had done something wrong."

On Monday, Sandusky was broadcast on the Penn State student radio, denying any guilt and saying, "I didn't do these alleged disgusting acts."

Sandusky and his lawyers still say that the allegations are part of an elaborate scheme for money. 

Sandusky added, "I would cherish the opportunity to be a little candle for others as my life goes on as they have been a huge light to me."

Unfortunately, Sandusky cannot be a light to others because he refuses to accept responsibility for his crimes, for which he has been duly convicted. If Sandusky were sincere about "being a light to others" he will have to take up this vocation behind prison walls, which is the safest, most appropriate place for him to be. There, it is hoped that he will eventually accept responsibility for his crimes and ask for the forgiveness of the many people he has victimized over the years.

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