New Accuser Becomes First to Sue Jerry Sandusky

PHILADELPHIA - A new accuser is the first to file a civil lawsuit against former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky and The Second Mile over sexual abuse allegations. The suit was announced by St. Paul, Minn., attorney Jeff Anderson, who has experience with abuse cases against the Catholic Church, on Wednesday.

The lawsuit accuses Sandusky of sexually abusing the man, identified in the complaint as John Doe A, more than 100 times, beginning when he was 10 years old and continuing until he was 14. The victim said he feels tormented after learning others were allegedly abused too.

"I am hurting and have been for a long time because of what happened, but feel now even more tormented that I have learned of so many other kids,” the now-29-year-old said in a statement read by Anderson.

Anderson said his client decided to take "this courageous action" by filing a civil suit against Sandusky because he wants other children to be protected.

The lawsuit also alleges Sandusky threatened to harm the victim and his family if he told anyone about the abuse.

Sandusky has been the face behind the Penn State scandal after he was charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse against eight victims, though this new suit does not involve any of those victims. The suit does, however, take on the organization where Sandusky met his alleged victims and Penn State.

Anderson said Sandusky gave the alleged victim "gifts, travel, and privileges" while attending The Second Mile camp – Sandusky’s nonprofit organization for underprivileged children.

Sandusky is charged with sexually abusing boys over a 15-year period. He acknowledges he showered with boys but has denied molesting them.