Sandusky Abuse Scandal Could Cost Penn State Quarter-Billion

The scandal has already cost the school an estimated $237 million.

Penn State University may end up spending a quarter of a billion dollars on costs associated with the child abuse scandal the led to the conviction of Jerry Sandusky in 2012.

The figure includes $93 million in settlements, a $48 million fine by the NCAA, $27 million in lawyer fees related to lawsuits, around $14 million in legal defense costs for three former administrators and $5.3 million for crisis communications and outside consultants, according to the Associated Press.

Campus Safety had previously reported on the university’s recent $12 million settlement with whistleblower Mike McQueary, bringing the scandal’s overall cost to at least $237 million.

RELATED: Dept. of Ed Levies $2.4M Fine Against Penn State Over Sandusky Case

PSU has already settled lawsuits with 33 people who claimed to have been sexually abused by Sandusky, who is serving 30 to 60 years in state prison.

Penn State officials say money from donations, student tuition and taxes are not being used to pay for the expenses.

The university is primarily relying on interest revenue from university loans to pay for the costs. Insurers have covered $30 million of the total expenses.

The university is still dealing with several ongoing court cases, including the defense of former high-ranking employees and lawsuits relating to the conclusions reached in the independent report conducted by former FBI director Louis Freeh and his law firm.

The NCAA’s large fine will fund anti-child-abuse efforts in Pennsylvania.

Read Next: Third Ball State Employee Arrested on Child Porn Charges

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