IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Penn State Could Face Claims From Six More Alleged Jerry Sandusky Victims

Penn State could still face claims from six or even more alleged victims in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal, according to university documents.
Get more newsLiveon

Penn State University has spent more than $92 million in the last two years on settlements and related costs in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal — and it could still face claims from six or even more alleged victims, according to university documents published this week.

The university settled with 26 victims of Sandusky, 71, a longtime assistant to legendary head football coach Joe Paterno, for about $60 million in October 2013. Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison in October 2012 for having abused 10 boys he met over 15 years through his charity for troubled children.

Sandusky has maintained his innocence, and he appeared in court as recently as last month seeking a new trial.

Related: Jerry Sandusky's Wife: Victims 'Were Manipulated, and They Saw Money'

In its audited financial statement for fiscal year 2015, which ended June 30, the university reported this week that it has paid or set aside a total of $92.8 million for 32 claims — including $33.2 million for related costs on top of the previously reported settlement payouts.

"Additional claims could be paid in the future," the statement said.

The university has previously disclosed in legal filings that it rejected the claims of six other alleged victims when it concluded the 2013 settlement.

It couldn't be determined Wednesday night whether those six people are the same as the six extra claimants mentioned in the financial statement. But the additional $33.2 million in financial liabilities over the two years don't appear to have been direct payments to any claimant: The university said they were for "internal investigation, legal, communications and other related costs."

The statement offered no further details. University offices are closed through the weekend for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The scandal deeply rocked Penn State and State College, Pennsylvania, where it is based.

Paterno, who previously was a revered figure representing integrity in college football, was fired amid allegations that he didn't properly report concerns about Sandusky to authorities. He died in January 2012 at age 85.

Related: Ex-Coach Jerry Sandusky Should Get His Public Pension Back: Court

University President Graham Spanier, Athletic Director Tim Curley and Senior Vice President Gary Schultz were all forced out of their jobs. They await trials on charges of obstruction of justice, perjury and other counts, accused of having interfered with the investigation and then having lied about it to a grand jury.

A state judge this month ruled that the state must restore Sandusky's $4,900-a-month pension because he wasn't formally a state employee when he committed the crimes he was convicted of.