1st Alleged Victim Takes Stand In Sandusky Trial
BELLEFONTE (KDKA) - The trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky got underway Monday.
The first alleged victim took the stand Monday afternoon.
The man, now 28-years-old, detailed how he first came into contact with Sandusky at a family picnic when he was 13.
Sandusky was allegedly throwing kids into the air while in the water at the beach. The victim claimed Sandusky would grab the kids around the buttocks, brushing private parts as if he was trying to get a better grip to then toss the kids.
From there, the victim was invited to Penn State events. At one point, the victim claims there would be soap fights and wrestling in the showers.
The accuser once appeared in Sports Illustrated with Sandusky. He said his Penn State visits and passes to the sideline prevented him from saying anything about his discomfort at Sandusky's alleged advances.
The victim said it was, "like I was his girlfriend, which freaked me out."
Classmates at his school became jealous of the victim's access at Penn State and began to tease him about it.
During a trip to the Outback Bowl, Sandusky allegedly attempted to shower with the victim until his wife returned to the hotel room.
Eventually, the victim said he got tired of it and tried to avoid Sandusky's calls in an attempt to distance himself from him.
Sandusky then allegedly sent what the witness called, "creepy love letters."
Part of one letter said, "I know that I have made my share of mistakes. There has been love in my heart. My wish is that you have love in your heart."
The attorney of victim No. 5, Tom Kline, who is expected to testify later in the week, said it will be daunting for the defense of Sandusky.
"The fact of the matter (is) it's daunting when you have an accusation -- not of one, not of two, not of five -- of eight young men who are going to testify, all standing individually, all putting their hand on the bible and all sworn to tell the truth," Kline said. "I believe the defense counsel is correct. That is daunting."
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