The iconic comedian and actor who played the memorable character Dr. Huxtable, will go to trial for sexual assault charges. The first accusations against Bill Cosby surfaced in 2004 from Andrea Constand who worked for Temple University, Cosby’s alma mater.
Soon after Constand came forward, more than 50 women also came out accusing Cosby of sexually assaulting them. Due to statute of limitations, Cosby will never have to deal with most of these claims.
Up until a few weeks ago, Cosby’s lawyers have been able to fight the accusations and keep him out of court, but their efforts fell short in the latest preliminary hearing.
During the hearing a Pennsylvania judge mainly heard testimony from those involved in the original investigation back in 2004. Detectives from the Montgomery County Detective read statements taken during the investigation.
Constand herself did not actually testify.
After hearing the testimony and questioning, the judge decided there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, since this was a preliminary hearing, “hearsay is admissible.”
Cosby’s lawyers were vocal in the disapproval of the decision.
“There was no evidence of a crime here. And the inconsistencies that plagued this investigation from the beginning continue to plague it now. This case should end immediately.”
The fact that the case is advancing to trial is by no means an indication of Cosby’s guilt. This only means the judge feels a trial is justified based on the initial evidence. The burden of proof is much lower in a preliminary hearing, all that need to be proven was that a crime occurred and that Cosby was connected to the crime.
This is one case that you can bet will be in the public spotlight. If Cosby is convicted he can be sentenced up to 10 years in prison for each charge.
