BELLEFONTE, Pa. -
The Jerry Sandusky trial got under way Monday, and the testimony against the former Penn State assistant football coach was graphic and disturbing but important to hear.
This is the case that brought down several people at Penn State University and changed the school's image for years to come.
FOX 29's Chris O'Connell was live Monday night in Bellefonte, Pa., where the trial is drawing national attention and media into Centre County.
The first accuser to take the stand said horsing around led to "hugging and caressing" and Sandusky "wanting me to wash his body."
An alleged "love letter" to the accuser was introduced in court, as were gifts and memorabilia given to him by Sandusky, such as a snowboard, golf clubs, shoes and jerseys.
The alleged victim said, "I was too scared to tell anyone" but enjoyed "nice things" Sandusky gave him. He also said the older man would put "his had on my leg basically like I was his girlfriend" during car rides.
"I've spent years burying this," he said, adding that he "felt responsible for what happened to other victims" for not coming forward.
When cross examination of the first witness began, the line of questioning from the defense dealt with the timeline of the alleged attacks. Asked why he didn't come forward sooner, the accuser said he was "scared and embarrassed."
He says Sandusky's wife, Dottie walked in on an alleged attack during a trip to the Alamo Bowl, but he initially denied abuse when first questioned by police. He says Sandusky never threatened to hurt him.
Before opening statements began, Sandusky's lawyers made some last minute requests. They want to admit Sandusky's entire autobiography, titled "Touched," as evidence.
Lawyers also want to admit the grand jury testimony of Penn State's former president and administrators who face charges in the scandal.
The defense claims all three will invoke their right against self-incrimination if they are called to testify.
The judge hasn't made a decision yet.
Tweeting from inside the courtroom isn't allowed. But FOX 29's Bruce Gordon and Chris O'Connell will post updates whenever there's a break.
