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Judge will hear recantation of sexual abuse claim against ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky

PUBLISHED Aug 28, 2026, 12:49 PM ET

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A Pennsylvania judge will hear a former Jerry Sandusky accuser’s planned recantation on Sept. 8, potentially adding new evidence to the convicted former Penn State assistant coach’s effort to challenge his 2012 convictions. The man, identified in court records as R.R. and publicly reported as Ryan Rittmeyer, testified at trial that Sandusky sexually abused him when he was a child. In a June 30, 2025 affidavit, Rittmeyer now says investigators influenced his recollection and encouraged him to affirm details he did not clearly remember. Sandusky’s attorneys are seeking post-conviction relief, while Pennsylvania prosecutors argue the petition is untimely and seek limits on testimony unrelated to the recantation. Former prosecutor Frank Fina is expected to testify about his interactions with Rittmeyer. Sandusky, 82, remains imprisoned under a 30-to-60-year sentence after conviction on 45 counts involving sexual abuse of boys. The hearing will assess evidence, not automatically overturn convictions or grant relief.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On November 5, 2011, authorities arrested Sandusky following abuse allegations.
On June 22, 2012, jurors convicted Sandusky on 45 counts.
On October 9, 2012, Sandusky received thirty-to-sixty years imprisonment sentence.
On February 5, 2019, Pennsylvania court upheld convictions, ordering resentencing.
On November 22, 2019, Sandusky received resentencing after appellate proceedings.
On September 19, 2024, Superior Court affirmed denial of evidence.
On June 30, 2025, Rittmeyer signed affidavit recanting Sandusky testimony.
On February 27, 2026, Judge Skerda initially dismissed Sandusky petition.
On June 3, 2026, Judge Skerda scheduled September evidentiary proceedings.
On August 27, 2026, court documents publicized Rittmeyer’s planned recantation.
On September 8, 2026, witnesses expected to testify under oath.
After September 8, 2026, court may assess credibility and consequences.
Following hearing, prosecutors may seek dismissal of unsupported claims.
Following hearing, defense may pursue further post-conviction appellate review.
If relief succeeds, Pennsylvania courts could reconsider Sandusky’s conviction.
If relief fails, Sandusky would remain imprisoned under current judgment.
The hearing itself does not establish that Rittmeyer’s recantation is credible.
The September proceeding is evidentiary, rather than a complete retrial.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: New scrutiny surrounds a landmark child-abuse conviction.
Possible long-term US impact: Hearing could affect confidence in abuse investigations.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize court records, sworn testimony, verified updates, speculation.
Most Affected: Sandusky, Rittmeyer, victims, Pennsylvania courts, Penn State.