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Jerry Sandusky in jail in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Photograph: Zuma/Corbis
Jerry Sandusky's conviction will not take away the pain felt by his victims, but many took solace in knowing the the former Penn State assistant coach is now in jail following his conviction on 45 counts of child sex abuse.
A lawyer for one of the young men who testified against Sandusky said his client was "elated", and felt "empowered" by the jury's verdict.
Meanwhile, anger greeted Sandusky as he was taken from the courthouse to a waiting police car. "Rot in hell," someone shouted, as Sandusky made the short walk to the car, flanked by officials and shackled in handcuffs.
Feelings ran understandably high given the nature of the crimes and the impact it has had on the college and the local community in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
Lisa Shirk, a former neighbour of Sandusky who went to school with his children, was among those gathered outside the courthouse. "I can't be any more happier. Justice has been done to this man. He needs the death penalty for what he did to those kids," she said.
Among the victims themselves, emotions ran from relief to acknowledgment that no matter what the verdict was, the damage had already been done.
"Nobody wins. We've all lost," the mother of one child abused by Sandusky said.
For others, it was vindication for speaking out against the crimes inflicted on them as vulnerable children.
Michael Boni, attorney for a man referred throughout the trial as Victim No 1, told CNN: "He is feeling elated. He is elated as is his mother, who was crying. They feel very, very empowered right now by this decision."
Justine Andronici, a lawyer for two other victims of Sandusky, said: "Thank God he is in jail … it was a long time coming."
Victim No 5's lawyer said his client was relieved. "This has been one difficult ordeal," Tom Kline told CBS.
Kline added: "He didn't want to be involved, but he decided, of course, that he was going to tell the truth. He viewed this as an obligation of citizenship, and an obligation of citizenship that is now completed."
Scott Berkowitz, president of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (Rainn) described the jury's decision as a "landmark day for survivors of sexual violence".
He added: "This verdict shows the country that when allegations of such abuse are brought to light, they will be taken seriously and that a just outcome is possible."
For others it marked the end of a sorry chapter that has ripped apart a community.
Outside the courthouse, Bellefonte resident Grace Gordon welcomed the verdict, but added: "It's hard, it really is, to see a small town torn apart like this."
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