| Former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky spoke out from jail on the eve of his sentencing and blamed a well-orchestrated conspiracy for his conviction. NBC's Michael Isikoff reports. By By Danielle Leigh and M. Alex Johnson, NBC News BELLEFONTE, Pa. — Former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky arrived in court Tuesday to face sentencing on 45 counts of abusing 10 boys he met over 15 years through his charity for troubled children. Sandusky was transported to Centre County Court from jail in a sheriff's patrol car shortly before the hearing. His wife, Dottie, was in attendance. Sandusky, who was defensive coordinator and for many years the presumed heir-apparent to legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, could be sentenced to as little as 10 years in prison or a maximum of more than 400 years at the hearing, which was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. ET. Sandusky's lead attorney, Joe Amendola, told NBC 10 Philadelphia on Monday that Sandusky planned to make a statement proclaiming his innocence. At least one of his victims also was expected to address the court. Sandusky surprised his own lawyers Monday evening when he released an audio statement on the Penn State student radio station blaming a widespread conspiracy among police, Penn State administrators and the media for his conviction. It was the first time the public had heard Sandusky, who didn't testify at his trial, speak extensively since his conviction in June. "They could treat me as a monster, but they can't take away my heart," Sandusky said in the three-minute statement. "In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts." Related: Full statement from Jerry Sandusky Related: Audio of Sandusky's statement on Penn State student station ComRadio It won't immediately be known what Sandusky says in court. Under the same rules he imposed during trial, Cleland is allowing no communication from the courtroom until the hearing has concluded. More content from NBCNews.com:
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10/09/2012
Sandusky sentencing is under way
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