A lot of people were surprised when Jerry Sandusky's defense team "abruptly" rested their case Wednesday evening without calling the former Penn State assistant football coach, charged with several counts of child sexual abuse, to the stand.

Now there's speculation that the reason he didn't testify is because prosecutors warned they would call forth a surprise new witness if he did: Sandusky's adopted son, Matt.

Shortly after the jury left to begin deliberations Thursday afternoon, Matt Sandusky released a statement through his own attorneys claiming, for the first time, that he, too, was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his father.

"During the trial, Matt Sandusky contacted us and requested our advice and assistance in arranging a meeting with prosecutors to disclose for the first time in this case that he is a victim of Jerry Sandusky's abuse. At Matt's request, we immediately arranged a meeting between him and the prosecutors and investigators."

According to Harrisburg's Patriot-News, Matt Sandusky, 33, first became acquainted with the Sanduskys through his involvement with the Second Mile charity around age 7. At 16, he moved in with them as a foster child (at Jerry's request) after he was arrested for burning down a barn. Matt's biological mother opposed the placement, citing concerns about her son's safety and mental condition, and asked that he be moved to a different family. Four months after moving in with the Sanduskys, Matt attempted suicide. He was formally adopted by the family at 18.

Prior to Thursday's revelation, Matt insisted Jerry Sandusky had never sexually abused him.

Because the jury has already been sequestered, they will not hear of the latest accusation.

Sandusky faces a maximum of 460 years in prison if convicted.

He denies the charges against him.

[Patriot-News via CNN // Image via AP]