Bill Cosby To Stand Trial For Sexual Assault Charges

During a Tuesday hearing, Pennsylvania District Judge Elizabeth McHugh declared there was enough evidence for a criminal trial against Bill Cosby.

He is faced with three counts of felony indecent assault from a 2004 case in which Andrea Constand, an employee at Temple University, Cosby’s alma mater, accused him of drugging and molesting her. Constand was the first of more than 50 women to come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against him.

If convicted, Cosby, 78, faces up to 10 years in prison. Constand was not in the courtroom and the judge ruled that she would not have to testify. Cosby’s description of the encounter indicates it was consensual. Portions of Constand’s statement to the police were read by prosecutors into the record. Her statement described how Cosby gave her pills which made her dizzy and made her legs “like jelly.”

Cosby’s defense attorney, Brian McMonagle, said Tuesday, “I have never once had a case where the prosecution has relied, in a sexual abuse case, on exclusively hearsay evidence in a hearing. It is a complete denial of this defendant’s due process rights.”

Gloria Allred, representing more than 30 clients who have also accused Cosby, attended Tueday’s hearing and told reporters, “I think it’s an important day and I’m looking forward to the trial.”

Cosby’s trial date is set for July 20.

“Mr. Cosby, good luck to you, sir,” the judge said.

“Thank you,” he replied.