•Pattern of behavior.The number of accusers. Sandusky met a number of the children he is accused of sexually assaulting through the Second Mile, a nonprofit organization for underprivileged youth that Sandusky started in 1977, allegedly showing a pattern.
• Various victims to testify. Eight men are expected to testify that they were assaulted by Sandusky. The fact that multiple victims will testify gives the prosecution another leg to stand on other than just the accounts of witnesses.
Defense:
• How credible are the accusers? McQueary said in the grand jury testimony that he went into the locker room and found Sandusky and a boy in the shower engaging in sexual activity. However, McQueary's story has changed in that he initially testified that the incident happened in March 2002, but last month prosecutors changed the date to February 2001.
• Sandusky's acts were misconstrued. His attorney, Joe Amendola, has described Sandusky as childlike, and although Sandusky has admitted to showering with young boys, he contends that none of his conduct was sexual. During a Nov. 17 interview with Bob Costas, Sandusky was asked whether he is sexually attracted to young boys, to which he responded, "Sexually attracted, you know, I enjoy young people. I love to be around them. But no I'm not sexually attracted to young boys."
• The alleged abuse happened too long ago to prosecute. In one case in 1998, Sandusky is accused of showering with a 12-year-old boy. Authorities were called at the time of the incident and it was investigated, but no charges were filed.
Contact Sean Carlin at 215-854-5926 or seancrln@yahoo.com, or follow on Twitter @SeanCarlin84.
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