Victim #1 Files Suit Against PSU Over School's Handling Of Sandusky
By Tim Jimenez
Philadelphia (CBS) – "Victim Number One" of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal filed a lawsuit against Penn State University Friday night.
In 2009 the victim and his mother reported Sandusky to his high school and child protection officials, setting off the state investigation leading to the firestorm in State College.
Victim number one, represented by attorney Slade McLaughlin, says he was abused more than 100 times by Jerry Sandusky for a three year period ending in 2008.
"Has ongoing psychological issues. He's receiving treatment and obviously this is something that's permanent that's going to have an effect on him for the rest of his life."
And McLaughlin says university officials put the school's reputation and economic interests ahead of the safety of children.
"As a result of that, many of the children who were abused after the 2001 time frame, that could have been prevented."
The suit cites court testimony, grand jury investigations and the Freeh report. As for amount of damages, McLaughlin says it'll be up to the jury. If a settlement comes up, he says all options are on the table.
A University spokesman says the school doesn't comment on pending litigation but says university officials are committed to justice for the victims.
