Sandusky will not testify in his own defense

As his child sex abuse trial nears its end, 6 News has learned that Jerry Sandusky will not take the stand Wednesday in his own defense.

Sandusky’s attorney Joe Amendola previously said everyone should “stay tuned” to find out if the former Penn State assistant coach would take the stand in his high-profile trial and said the case is like a soap opera, comparing it to “General Hospital” and “All My Children.”

The jury has already heard from eight accusers who claim Sandusky abused them. The defense countered with character witnesses that include Sandusky’s wife, Dottie, and has sought to portray investigators as planting the seeds of those abuse reports during interviews with the alleged victims.

The former Penn State University coach is charged with 51 criminal counts for alleged sexual assaults on 10 boys over a 15-year span. He has denied the allegations against him and his attorney has suggested the accusers have financial motives.

Before proceedings started Wednesday, Juror No. 6 was excused because she was ill, so an alternate juror took her place. Judge John Cleland has said testimony could wrap up Wednesday, with closing arguments Thursday.

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