Jerry Sandusky Sentenced In Major Child Molestation Case

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky walks into the Centre County Courthouse before being sentenced in his child sex abuse case on Oct. 9, 2012 in Bellefonte, Pa. (Patrick Smith | Getty Images)

Convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky has been identified as "one of the elite college football fans in the nation."

Who called him that? Penn State.

The university's athletic department sent Sandusky — the former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator now imprisoned for sexually abusing children — a form letter asking him to renew his season tickets. The letter, signed by head coach James Franklin, was received on Nov. 28, according to onwardstate.com:

"Dear Gerald A,

Congratulations on being identified as one of the elite college football fans in the nation. You have worked diligently to separate yourself by exhibiting unrivaled tenacity, character, and loyalty. Passionate and competitive, you are the leading standard of a first class fan base.”

Sandusky is currently serving a sentence of 30 to 60 years at the Greene State Prison after he was convicted on 45 counts of child sexual abuse in July 2012. The letter was sent to his home.

Penn State assistant athletic director for communications Jeff Nelson explained how it happened:

“Clearly, a mistake was made and our database needs further updating and cross-referencing. This standard form letter was part of a mass mailing sent to approximately 30,000 people who have had season or single game tickets within the past four years, encouraging them to support the team and help fill Beaver Stadium for every game in 2015.”

That time when #PennState sent a season ticket renewal letter to Jerry Sandusky @WNEP #awkwardmail pic.twitter.com/SLaoQ5tycM — Sharla McBride (@SharlaMcBride) December 3, 2014

Kevin Manahan may be reached at kmanahan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinCManahan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.