In the world of courtroom tales on TV and in the movies, when the guilty verdict comes in it usually seems like the story is over. The bad guy is going to jail for a very long time, the lawyers shake hands, and the victims seem to have some catharsis. Maybe we get a scene on the courthouse steps or something else along the lines of closure. Viewers accept the ending and we move on to next week or the next film we are going to see; unfortunately, the Jerry Sandusky (former assistant coach to Joe Paterno at Penn State) trial occurs in the real world, and while his guilty verdict gives some consolation to the victims and their families, the story is far from over.
Sandusky was found guilty on 45 of 48 counts against him. Many of these charges carry minimum sentences, so it seems a given that Sandusky is going away for the rest of his life. Knowing this cannot ease the pain and years of trauma inflicted on the victims, all young boys at the time who accused the retired coach of sexual abuse that came to light in graphic detail during the trial.
Lead defense attorney Joe Amendola indicated that there will be appeals and, of course, this is the real world part I mentioned before. Yes, Sandusky's bail was revoked and he was taken away in handcuffs, but the agony will continue in a process that could go on for years.
Eight of Sandusky's accusers testified at the trial, giving accounts of the self-appointed "Tickle Monster's" violations which included massages and anal and oral sex. The defense weakly tried to portray the victims as financially motivated and that the police rushed the case and coached the victims to give the damning accounts.
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