All eight males identified as victims in a grand-jury report are expected to testify this month against Jerry Sandusky, ABC News reported Monday.

The network, citing "people close to the case," called the news "a blow to (Sandusky's) defense.

"Sandusky's lawyer, Joe Amendola, previously told ABC News that at least one of the boys had denied that he was abused," ABC's online report reads.

Sandusky is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Dec. 13 in Bellefonte.

State prosecutors filed 40 criminal counts against Sandusky last month, alleging that the former Penn State football defense coordinator engaged in a prolonged pattern of child sexual abuse.

Sandusky has said he is innocent. A state investigation is ongoing.

In a statement e-mailed to reporters late Monday night, Amendola wrote this in response to the latest ABC report:

• "We are prepared to proceed with Jerry's preliminary hearing and look forward to the opportunity to question all Commonwealth witnesses who testify. Although the preliminary hearing is not a trial, but simply a probable cause proceeding, and will not provide Jerry with an opportunity to present his defense, we will, for the very first time, have the opportunity to face Jerry's accusers and question them under oath about their allegations. We look forward to this opportunity."

Related coverage

• StateCollege.com's earlier and ongoing coverage of the Penn State-charges situation