Former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, right, arrives at the Centre County Courthouse for opening statements in his trial, Monday, June 11, 2012, in Bellefonte, Pa., on 52 counts of child sexual abuse involving 10 boys over a period of 15 years. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
June 11, 2012 - 9:12 AM
BELLEFONTE, Pa. - Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky arrived at a Pennsylvania courthouse Monday for the start of his child sex abuse trial in a case that has shaken one of the most storied U.S. sports programs.
The 68-year-old is charged with 52 criminal counts alleging he sexually abused 10 boys over a 15-year span, including in the team's showers. He has denied the allegations.
Many of the alleged victims are expected to testify for the prosecution.
The jury is scheduled to hear opening statements in the case Monday.
Many of the jurors have strong ties to the university.
Sandusky didn't respond to questions on his arrival Monday but smiled briefly before entering the courthouse.
Sandusky's lawyers and state prosecutors have been under a gag order for months, so their outline of the case to jurors Monday should reveal new details about an investigation that has taken several years.
A pair of grand jury reports allege Sandusky sexually abused young boys he met through the Second Mile, a charity he established in 1977. Sandusky allegedly used his connection to the football program to groom boys for sexual contact at his home or in the team facilities.
Slade McLaughlin, the attorney for the teen identified in the grand jury report as Victim 1, said he expects his client to testify Monday or Tuesday.
"He's in good spirits, very calm, very relaxed," McLaughlin said.
The trial may not be the last word in the case. The state attorney general's office has repeatedly indicated it has an "active and ongoing" related investigation, which suggests additional criminal charges could result.
There is also a federal investigation. Penn State said that in February it had been issued a wide-ranging subpoena from the U.S. attorney's office in Harrisburg, seeking computer records and other information.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012