Report: Penn State officials were told 6 times about Jerry Sandusky’s sexual abuse and did nothing

In a newly unsealed report from an insurance expert this Tuesday, six different sexual abuse incidents by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky were either reported to university officials or witnessed by coaches and staff – including one allegation that was directly reported to head coach Joe Paterno.

The documents pertain to a court battle in which Penn State is trying to use insurance money to pay out settlements to Sandusky’s victims. According to the insurance provider, Penn State is not entitled to the money since the university kept the allegations secret and failed to prevent further instances of abuse.

“Penn State should have notified PMA of the incidents involving Sandusky on a timely basis. Penn State did not do that,” risk management expert Raymond Williams said.

Sandusky, who was found guilty on 45 charges, will spend the rest of his life in prison.

According to Deadspin, Williams was given access to confidential information about Penn State’s settlements. In addition to citing two more widely known incidents, “the report appears to have unearthed four new cases that were not publicly known.”

  • In 1976, an alleged victim reported the incident directly to Joe Paterno.
  • In 1987, an instance of improper sexual contact between Sandusky and a minor was witnessed by then-assistant coach Joe Sarra.
  • In 1988, an instance of improper sexual contact between Sandusky and a child was witnessed by then-assistant coach Kevin O’Dea.
  • In 1988, an incident was reported and then referred to then-athletic director Jim Tarman.

In regards to the 1976 incident that was reported to Paterno, the documents recount the alleged victim’s 2014 court testimony:

The victim, who was identified in court records as John Doe 150, said that while he was attending a football camp at Penn State, Sandusky touched him as he showered

Doe testified in court in 2014, and the victim asked to speak with Paterno about it. Doe testified that he specifically told Paterno that Sandusky had sexually assaulted him, and Paterno ignored it.

“Is it accurate that Coach Paterno quickly said to you, ‘I don’t want to hear about any of that kind of stuff, I have a football season to worry about?’” the man’s lawyer asked him in 2014.

“Specifically. Yes . . . I was shocked, disappointed, offended. I was insulted. . . I said, is that all you’re going to do? You’re not going to do anything else?”

Paterno, the man testified, just walked away.

More information on the cases is expected to be released today.

Featured image via YouTube screen grab

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.

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