First settlement reached in Penn State-Sandusky scandal

The first of numerous civil claims filed against Penn State amid the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal has been settled.

Tom Kline, a lawyer for a young man known as “Victim 5,” who testified at Sandusky’s criminal trial, said Saturday his client is relieved.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, which first reported the settlement, said it amounted to several million dollars. The paper said settlements are expected soon in 25 more claims over the actions of the former assistant football coach.

The university declined to comment. Michael Rozen, a lawyer representing Penn State, told the paper that Victim 5’s complaint was among the more serious because the abuse occurred months after school officials were told of Sandusky’s suspect behavior.

Sandusky currently is in prison, convicted of child molestation and related offenses.