Jerry Sandusky’s Lawyer Says He Might Plead Guilty If More Charges Are Filed

by Glenn Davis | 1:50 pm, December 1st, 2011

Jerry Sandusky’s lawyer, Joe Amendola, has said a number of interesting things about his client since he first appeared on TV a little over two weeks ago. He’s maintained Sandusky’s innocence, despite the grand jury report that presented the accusations of child molestation and child rape against the former Penn State defensive coordinator in sickening detail. He made a bad analogy trying to explain this professed innocence. And he said his client was so innocent that he’s actually conducting an investigation of his own into all these disturbing allegations.

And now Amendola’s saying that his innocent client…could possibly plead guilty. Why would he do that, if he’s so innocent? Well, with more accusers beyond even the eight already mentioned in the grand jury’s presentment coming out of the woodwork – like the one filing a lawsuit and one reportedly from Sandusky’s own family – his client might simply be left with no choice:

“[A plea deal] could happen if more allegations come forth and Jerry gets to the point where he realizes fighting against more than the original allegations might be a real uphill battle,” Amendola said, according to [The Patriot-News]. “Bottom line, Jerry has always maintained his innocence, from the first allegation, and continues to maintain innocence. What happens with any additional charges which may be filed remains to be seen.”

It does beg the question: if they might plead guilty after who-knows-how-many-more accusations, why weren’t eight accusers and 40 counts enough to consider that option? It’s not like Sandusky had a chance to win any hearts and minds when that grand jury report came out. No matter if, or how many, more accusers come forward, Sandusky’s chances of people believing his claims of innocence can’t possibly get any worse. Maybe he’ll finally give in to that, and admit all those charges against him aren’t happening by accident.

Photo by Andy Colwell/The Patriot-News