In the latest twist to the Jerry Sandusky alleged child sex scandal, it appears that one of the two new sexual abuse allegations we told you about yesterday was made by a family member of the former Penn State football coach.
Sandusky’s attorney Joe Amendola told Sara Ganim of The Patriot-News that the one allegation stems from difficulties within the child’s immediate family, a statement he later confirmed to NBC News. He said the assault is alleged to have occurred prior to Sandusky’s arrest earlier this month, but was not brought to the authorities attention until after the former Penn State coach was charged.
The Patriot-News is withholding the child’s relationship to Sandusky to shield the child’s identity.
To the Associated Press, Amendola characterized the second claim as an example of people trying to mimic other allegations.
"That doesn't surprise me because we believe there would be a number of copycat allegations, people who really maybe not even had direct contact with Jerry but...try to jump on the bandwagon."
If the accusations result in charges, Amendola said they'll be vigorously contested.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
These two new accusations are being investigated by the state's Children and Youth Services, which means the accusations are coming not from adults, but from children. Right now, there are eight other alleged cases mentioned in the Grand Jury report.
A ninth person reportedly came forward with allegations after Sandusky's arrest on Nov. 5. In each of those cases, the alleged victims are now adults.
Stay tuned to NBC10 News and www.nbcphiladelphia.com for more details as they become available.
