June 5 (UPI) — Bill Cosby‘s sexual assault trial began on Monday in Pennsylvania where he faces charges that he drugged and assaulted Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee.
Cosby arrived at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Penn., arm-in-arm with Keshia Knight Pulliam, who portrayed his daughter Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.”
Cosby, 79, is charged with three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault from a 2004 case involving Constand, formerly the women’s basketball team manager at his alma mater. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At least two of Cosby’s accusers were seen in the courthouse though they are not expected to testify. Gloria Allred, an attorney who represents some of the women who have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct, called the first day of the trial a “historic day.”
Depositions regarding the 2004 incident were unsealed in 2015, which prompted more accusers to step forward. So far, more than 50 women have come forward to accuse the former Cosby Show actor of drugging and sexually assaulting them, despite many having out-waited their statute of limitations.
“It’s the first time Mr. Cosby will have to face his accusers in criminal court,” Allred said.
Cosby is accused of assaulting Constand while at his Philadelphia home. He faces a 10-year prison term if convicted.
The jury selection process ended in late May. Four white women, six white men, one black woman and one black man comprise the jury. The six alternates include four white men, one black woman and one black man.
