Former Penn State President Sentenced To Jail Time For Sandusky Scandal

Former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted in 2012 of sexually abusing boys over a 15-year period at Penn State. When accounts of the sexual acts were brought forward by a different assistant coach on the team in 2001, Spanier and late head coach Joe Paterno failed to act despite their full knowledge of the situation. 

According to NPR, State Attorney General Josh Shapiro accused the former Penn State President of “turning a blind eye to child abuse 10 years ago.” 

“No one is above the law, and my office will continue to pursue anyone who looks the other way in the face of child sexual abuse," said Shapiro, in full indictment of Spanier. "There are consequences for failing to protect children in Pennsylvania." 

Health complications have presented obstacles in the conviction of Spanier. The Fox report highlights the ongoing health concerns that will follow Spanier in his time behind bars: “Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte told the judge the Centre County Correctional Facility will be able to handle his health problems. Spanier had open-heart surgery in 2019 and has advanced-stage prostate cancer. “ 

Graham Spanier has been ordered to serve two months at the Centre County correctional facility, per the Dauphin County Court’s order released Wednesday. Spanier will follow up his two months in jail with an additional two months under house arrest.  

His first day is set for June 9.