HARRISBURG - State prosecutors say they have plenty of evidence that former Penn State University President Graham Spanier knew about and helped cover up the crimes of Jerry Sandusky, but state police were also answering questions about why they waited so long to arrest Jerry Sandusky since learning about his victims in 2009.
"We didn't think that we had a case at that particular time," said Pennsylvania Police Commissioner Frank Noonan at a news conference about charges filed against Spanier. "We needed more evidence, if Jerry Sandusky is a pedophile, than there had to be more victims."
Noonan believes the state had the right strategy with its methodical investigation of Sandusky.
"We're not here to gamble," he said. "We're here to do something solid."
Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly emphasized that it was Penn State administrators Graham Spanier, Gary Schultz and Tim Curley that took too much time and did nothing to stop Sandusky.
"This was a conspiracy of silence by top officials working to actively conceal the truth," Kelly said.
WTAJ legal analyst and attorney Bernie Cantorna says the state's charges against Spanier could carry a 40 year jail sentence.
Many Penn State students say they're ready for Spanier to stand trial.
"He probably deserved it if he covered it up," said Penn State Student Jeff Walter.
Visit this link to view the entire Spanier/Schultz/Curley jury presentment.
