Sandusky Scandal Could be Linked Back to Possible Abuse of Adopted Son in 1995: Report

Jerry Sandusky, a former football defensive coordinator, was charged Saturday for 40 counts of alleged sexual abuse on young boys over a period of 15 years, according to the grand jury report.

The first red flag against Sandusky was raised in 1998 when a mother of a victim complained to the university officials and municipal police. However, the investigation which followed resulted in no criminal charges against him.

According to a Patriot-News report, the alleged behavior of Sandusky towards young boys could be linked back to even further and might have involved one of his adopted children, Matt Sandusky.

The initial report of possible abuse by Sandusky was in 1995 when his now-legally adopted son Matt was a foster child in his home. The report reveals that Matt's adoption file holds letters which were written by Matt's biological mother to the Children and Youth Services officials expressing concern for Matt who was living with the Sandusky family. Debra Long, Matt's biological mother, confirmed it to the grand jury.

When Matt started living with Sandusky, Long was allowed to visit her son half a day per month. Sandusky and his wife adopted five boys and one girl named Kara.

Though Matt, now 33-year-old, is not mentioned as one of the victims in the indictment, he did testify before the grand jury.

In 1995, Matt was caught setting fire to a barn, after which the Children and Youth Services sent him to live with the Sandusky family at Sandusky's request. But, about four months after moving with the Sandusky family, Matt once tried to commit suicide with Kara.

Then, Terry Trude, a probation officer allocated to Matt, wrote a letter to Centre County Judge David Grine stating, The probation department has some serious concerns about the juvenile's safety and his current progress in placement with the Sandusky family. The letter stated that Long was worried about his son's safety and mental condition and requested the judge to allow Matt to go to a different foster family.

The night when Matt attempted suicide, he wrote a letter to the probation officer which said that I would like to be placed back with the Sanduskys. I feel that they have supported me even when I have messed up. They are a loving caring group of people. I love both my biological family and the Sandusky family.

When Sandusky was arrested, Matt along with his children visited Sandusky's house. But, Matt's wife immediately went to court to stop the future visits of her kids to Sandusky's house. After which a judge prohibited Sandusky from having unconfirmed visits with his grandchildren.