By Anna Schecter
Rock Center
A 30-year-old Ohio man is the first accuser of former Penn State football Coach Jerry Sandusky to speak publicly about the sexual abuse he says he endured.
Travis Weaver, in an exclusive interview broadcast Thursday on NBC's Rock Center, said Sandusky performed oral sex on him in the upstairs bedroom of the Sandusky home, right across the hall from Sandusky’s wife, Dottie.
Weaver said Dottie Sandusky never witnessed firsthand any of the abuse but he suspects she had an idea of what was going on.
“How could you not know?” asked Weaver in the interview.
The trial has grabbed headlines for the past two weeks. Though graphic details from the testimonies of eight of his accusers have been reported, none of the alleged victims of Sandusky has spoken publicly until now.
Weaver has testified in front of a grand jury but was not called as a witness in the current trial. He said he is prepared to testify in the future if needed. He has spoken to both state and federal authorities.
Sandusky is facing 48 charges relating to child sex abuse. He has maintained his innocence. Attorneys gave their closing arguments June 21. At the time of this publishing, no verdict had yet been reached.
Weaver said he had never told anyone of the abuse and had buried the memories deep down. He says he thought he was the only victim until he saw reports that Sandusky had been arrested on charges of molesting other boys last fall.
“I was shocked. I couldn't believe he just kept doing it to all these other kids,” Weaver said.
Weaver said he feels guilty about the young men who said they were abused after him.
“I wish I would have said something to him. I think if I had said something to him a lot of this stuff wouldn't 'a happened to all these other kids,” he said.
His attorney, Jeff Anderson, has represented dozens of victims of sexual abuse, many of whom were abused by Catholic priests.
“Speaking out is part of the process. Travis is helping other children by telling his story. He is helping to protect other kids,” said Anderson.
Weaver said he met Sandusky in 1992 at the Penn State outdoor swimming pool when he was ten years old. He was there with his younger brother as part of a Second Mile summer camp.
“It was like meeting my hero,” he said.
The sexual abuse began to occur gradually, he said, and started in the Penn State locker room.
“After the shower was over…he'd dry me off with a towel. He'd say he was trying to wrestle with me....and then it progressed into oral sex,” he said.
Weaver said Sandusky abused him more than 100 times in the Penn State locker room, at the Sandusky home, and even in a hotel in Pasadena, California where Weaver and the Sandusky family stayed while on a trip to the Rose Bowl.
“We went to a professional football game, and [Sandusky and I] left early and went back to the hotel. And he performed oral sex on me in the hotel,” Weaver said.
Dottie Sandusky testified in court that her husband is innocent. She said she never witnessed inappropriate contact between her husband and young boys.
Weaver said that when he was 14, he moved away from the State College area to get away from Sandusky.
Weaver has filed a civil suit against Sandusky, Penn State and the Second Mile, alleging that the institutions could have done more to stop the abuse.
Sandusky’s attorneys could not be reached for immediate comment on this story.
A spokesman for Penn State declined to comment on this story. In November 2011, the university’s Board of Trustees issued a statement saying it was outraged by the horrifying details contained in the Grand Jury report, which included the testimonies of eight accusers, aged 18 to 28.
“We cannot begin to express the combination of sorrow and anger that we feel about the allegations surrounding Jerry Sandusky. We hear those of you who feel betrayed and we want to assure all of you that the Board will take swift, decisive action,” the Board of Trustees said.
The Second Mile charity declared bankruptcy after losing significant funding in the wake of the Sandusky scandal. Second Mile Acting CEO David Woodle said his organization is continuing to cooperate fully with the Attorney General's investigation and will adhere to its legal responsibilities throughout this process.
The charity released a statement in November stating that to its knowledge, all the alleged incidents occurred outside of its programs and events.
“Our highest priority always has been and will continue to be the safety and well-being of the children participating in our programs. We encourage program participants to report any allegations of abuse and/or inappropriate sexual activity wherever it has occurred, and we take any such reports directly to Child Protective Services. We have many policies and procedures designed to protect our participants, including employee and volunteer background checks, training and supervision of our activities,” the statement said.
Rock Center's Nina Tyler contributed to this report.
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What I don't get is how all of these victims let this abuse go on for so long. Yes, I understand they are just kids, but if someone is trying to do "something" to you and you feel it is not right, don't you think you would tell your parents right away? I know when I was 10 and if a man tried to touch me down there I would have told my father and my father would have killed him, that would have ended this mess right there and then
First if you recall these kids were from not so great homes, they didn't have people they trusted. Sandusky was trying to be that person they trusted and then he took advantage of that trust and violated them. Who exactly do you think these kids trusted then?
I think it's been made quite clear multiple times that these kids did not have fathers. Nor did they have any kind of stable family they could depend on, or they wouldn't have been in second mile.
I'm glad you had such a nice protected childhood, I did too. But I can picture walking in those kids shoes and in that case I don't think I (nor most of you) would have had the guts to make a peep about the abuse until you were well into your thirties, if ever.
Steelerfan, every kid did not have your father or your upbringing and your protections. They may not have perceived that what was happening was wrong. They may have been convinced by the CRIMINAL that it was right, or that something BAD would happen if he reported the conduct. There are too many reasons why kids keep quiet. One of which is SHAME!!! Even the wrongful act of child rape can have a pleasureable effect which complicates the whole thing even more for those victims. Minors can not make adult complex decisions. They can be led and manipulated far too easily. Think of the way you learned your "ABC's". It was gradually with constant reinforcement of the thought/concept. That is how kids are manipulated into the act as well as SILENCE by the predetor.
For those of you who think it's strange that all this time has passed, and that there is no way that YOU would have let this happen over and over and over, well YOU ARE RIGHT. But YOU weren't the victim, and YOU would probably never be chosen to be a victim. What you fail to realize is that a pedophile is a predator, and like the predator that stalks it's prey, it doesn't choose a challenging prey...instead it chooses a vulnerable prey that is weak in some way. There were probably dozens of kids that Jerry never molested...because they weren't good candidates.
Pedophiles "test" their victims, sometimes for years. They build their trust. They get endeared towards them. They position themselves in a way that the child feels indebted to them. Again, a pedophile wouldn't choose someone who is likely to tell their parents or report the crime. This is one of the primary reasons why this is such a problem. And think about it: If you were a 10 year old boy and a person has given you gifts, shows attention to you, and seems to care for you but then does something to you that you don't even understand...how would YOU react. You might like to think you would tell your parents or a school worker or someone...but would you really? What if you were the type of child that felt so embarrassed by what happened that you couldn't possibly think about telling someone else? The problem with those of you who don't understand how these boys could wait this long is that you are looking at it through your own eyes...in your safe little world. Jerry groomed his victims over a period of time and he molested those who he felt wouldn't tell. I don't think pedophiles always even know they are doing this, but it is something they all share in common.
These boys that are coming forward are braver than you could possibly imagine.
very good points in that post
I believe you said this very well and your points are right on.
Obviously you ignorant people have never been sexually, emotionally or physically abused if you are blaming the victims for not coming forward. As a child you are so emotionally & mentally screwed up by what "an adult" is doing to you that you have serious trust issues with adults or anyone of authority. If you couldn't trust someone that was put into a position of authority i.e. a coach, teacher, officer, family member, you lose all ability to trust anyone. Those trust issues carry on into adulthood. Yes, it wouldve been wonderful for those people to go & tell someone at the time or even later but it takes many years of councelling to be able to get to that point. That man manipulated not only their bodys but also & even more so, their minds & the way think & rationalize things.
Maybe before you judge or condemn people that you don't even know, you should do a little bit of research & figure out what these people have been going through all of their lives as a result of one man's disgusting decisions to ruin these children's lives.
And as far as tito28's comment that they should be punished as well...You are an IDIOT! These "INNOCENT VICTIMS" are having to live a life sentence because of this man's actions & manipulations. They have to live with this everyday of their lives. It affects every thought, emotion & decision that they make. Great job buddy! You really showed the world your ignorance today!
Irritated, you are right on the money about how a kid reacts. And I just wanted to add - I was raised to NEVER question an adult. An adult was ALWAYS right. You can NEVER tell an adult NO. Boy was I set up to get abused!! I was abused from 13 to 15 - right about the same age as alot of these boys. I know why they didn't tell. I at least had parents. I couldn't tell them, because ADULTS WERE UNQUESTIONABLE IN WHATEVER THEY DID. Many of the boys Sanduski is accused of preying upon didn't even have that, so they were far more vulnerable that I.
lady gag-me sez he was born this way.
Sadly, I feel Sandusky is going to WALK. Such a frickin shame. He needs to be locked up and the key flushed down the toilet. He hurt these men when they were innocent young boys who trusted him. Their lives now will forever be damaged. Those of us who survive molestation, sex abuse and rape always have our demons that haunt us. I pray those young men have received the best counseling availiable. I'll cheer if Sandusky does go to prison. BTW, I so agree with you Coxy777.
If he walks I think he better keep walking - fast, and far, far away. The posses that were after Casey Anthony after her acquital will be nothing compared to the seething angry mass on this bastards tail.
looks like Mr. Sandusky has himself in somewhat of a pickle.
How could a 14 year old boy move away from the area when he said he did not tell his parents?
Weaver said that when he was 14, he moved away from the State College area to get away from Sandusky.
why don't you want to believe him? maybe he has an aunt or grandparents . . maybe his mom moved him because he was acting out and needed a change, maybe he made excuses to make a change . . . maybe a lot of things, why sound so suspicious ?
Deborah - He could have ran away - I did.
Hay in this time of economic trouble I'd sue anyone. What the hell took these ass holes so long to want a pay day.
The fact that he did not speak about the abuse until this past year...is not suprising at all! Many children never speak of their abuse, especially boys. I hope by finally sharing what happened to him will bring him some peace and closure. What a horrible secret to hold onto for so many years. I can only hope that by him talking publicly about the abuse more young men will feel they are not alone and can begin the healing process for themselves.
Sounds to me like the kid liked the head he was getting. I'm just saying. How could he get hard etc if he didn't like it?
1. just because Jerry gave him oral sex (rape actually, since he was not of the age of consent) doesn't mean he was actually hard
2. being hard is often a result of physical stimulation by itself
3. What if he did like the feeling that he was experiencing? What would that mean? Would that mean it was okay? So you probably like to receive oral sex. How about if your girlfriend blindfolded you and then pulled a fast one on you and your best friend (who happens to be male) swapped in and gave you the best head of your life. You enjoyed it thoroughly. However, when the blindfold came off and you found out that you were tricked...does that change the way you felt about it. Was it right that they did that to you? I mean you were hard after all, you must have liked it.
It's a natural body reflex that men do not have control of especially young men. Men are hard wired that way, it's called propogation of the species.
Really? Your comment is probably one of the most ignorant ones on this forum. Wow!
Whether Sandusky is guilty or not, I could care a less. When those accusing him start suing for money, then I have to call bs on their story as their motivation seems to be financial gain not justice.
Why? they can't get thier innocents back, they're childhoods were forever altered, why not get what they can by way of retribution, payment, punishment for the abuser, what ever? If someone bashed your car you're entitled to money . . why not if you're wronged or abused? You seem to think money means it didn't happen ?
I get very disgusted with people who say that these kids should have told somebody sooner and because they did not Sandusky should not have to stand trial. It should be pretty apparent to everyone why these kids did not tell anyone. I know when I was a kid it would have been difficult tell anyone out of embarrassment. Then you add in the fact that he threatened them which most abusers do. The fact that he was a football legend and they were troubled youth who are people going to believe. Why at their age would they think he is doing this to others. Another reason is these kids had nothing and they were getting gifts and priviledges they had never got in the past and Sandusky knew it which makes it even makes it more disgusting what he did. While this did not happen to me I can surely understand why they kept their mouth shut. If you look at all the kids that were abused by priests and other sick perverts that did not tell anyone you have to believe that there are even more reasons than what I have mentioned as to why they don't tell anyone.
I am praying that these kids can deal with what has been done to them and lead a some what of a happy rest of their lives.
What hasppened to these kids is horrendous and sad but I never understand why there is NEVER such equally passionate hatred for child KILLERS and physical abusers. As we speak there are children out there suffering lives iof terror at the hands of an abusive parent . Bruises fractured bones cigarette burns and then stories of babies being beateb to death but it always seem to get little attention or comment yet if sex is involved evryone is on it with a passion that almost makes it look like they are turned on by the whole thing. (go figure)
I can't believe the wife is still defending him. She had to know something, especially if it was going on in her house all those years and just right across the hall.
Yea, she has doubled down. My thought is that she is caught in a very difficult mental challenge. I believe she knew at some point. This means:
1. For her to admit it now means she would have to accept the reality that she let it continue and did nothing overt to stop it.
2. She wonders what is wrong with her that Jerry prefers young boys to her
3. Who will take care of her financially. Jerry groomed his victims very carefully, who's to say that he didn't also groom his wife....not in the same sense, but in the sense that he picked a woman who was gullible and that he could manipulate. Again, I don't think these were conscious, manipulative things that he was aware he was doing...I think they are just part and parcel to being a pedophile
She did not hear or see anything, because it did not happened. How can someone be in the next room in particular with kids and not be aware of at least anything. When he was perfoming these acts, there must have been some noice from one of the kids of hurt or pleasure, sorry but unless she just simply was aware and was in connection with her husband is hard to swallow.
You probably also wonder how abused wives could stay with their abusers for years and years.
denial is a powerful thing
OK people let's wrap this one up. Just accept the fact there are posters out there who like to play devils advocate just to stir the pot. Ignore them. They have no life.
Being a victim of sex-abuse and assault as a child, I have seen and heard enough evidence. I believe these people. And although my pedophilic step-dad is now in Hell (passed early this year), I still feel sick reading about it happening to others. No matter how Sandusky is punished now, he DID get away with it. He is 68, an old man, and no amount of money, pain or suffering will ever make up for what he did to those kids. There are probably many more, including his own 5 adopted boys.
from priest to sanbuttsky white people seem to do this a lot and somehow this problem must be corrected. this anal penetration has lead to more and more homosexuals in this country. lets start with values at a younger age so we can less the chances of creating more idiots like sanbuttsky.
Really, you call this a news story????
This is just some perverted reporter repeat what has already been proposed in this case with nothing new except for the name and face of an accuser. The story has been told and we don't need to keep repeating all the vivid details so other pedophiles repeat the process.
The reporting on this court case, can also be used as a guide for someone who wants to abuse children.
Move onto better quality, more positive news or don't report at all.
This is sick enough without repeating whats already been said.
You know, if you add up all of the alleged incidents from all of Sandusky's accusers (this guy says over 100 times), Sandusky was a pretty busy guy. Add to that all of his responsiblities as a coach and the charities that he was involved in....how in the heck did he have the time (and energy) to allegedly do all of this molesting?
I am just wondering....
Another thought....doesn't the chance of getting "caught" during a "molestation session" increase exponentially the more times it happens? According to the victims, this has gone on for like 30 years and literally hundreds, if not thousands (if you add them all up) of times, in semi-public setting (showers, hotels, etc.). Yet, few if any, witnesses to actual events, nobody came forward in all those years, no charges, no real investigation....nothing. Doesn't something seem very inconsistent here? I am not saying he is innocent, but.....
How much time do you need to sexually abuse a child? 10 Hours? 5? 2? These episodes were over in minutes - you act as if he needed decades to act - or he MUST be innocent. Also, has it entered your sparsely furnished mind that he worked on these kids, sequentially - one after another? Not all at once?? These people are VERY careful about where the abuse occurs - probably surprising for you to hear, but they don't do it the parking lot of the local police station....
How does the probability of being caught increase exponentially (I actually teach statistics, I would LOVE to hear this)?? Try to grow up, try to smarten up - it may be hard for you, but it's worth the effort............
You know JJA, I actually don't know how long it takes to molest someone. But I am pretty sure that the kids weren't lined up outside the Penn State locker room showers waiting their turn. Therefore, logic seems to suggest that it would take some significant amount of time to do these acts. Maybe you teach statistics, but simple addition escapes you. Instead of insulting someone expressing their opinion, maybe you should open up your mind to other possibilities.
I don't necessarily think he is innocent or guilty. I am simply questioning some of the accusations and/or the number of times the accusers are alleging. In my opinion, it just seems that, over a period of 30 years and thousands of incidents, there should be some physical proof or something to corroborate these accusations.
If you are a master of statistics, maybe you can apply your vast knowledge of all things and explain that.... :)
WHAT physical proof??? Are you expecting a videotape?? 20 independent eyewitnesses?? Sandusky admitting guilt??? What, exactly?? Other than his DNA or semen, I'm not sure what proof, if any, would satisfy you....
It's people like yourself who are the reason why OJ Simpson walked, Why Casey Anthony walked...on and on.....
And there was conclusive DNA evidence presented at the Simpson trial. And the jury still acquited.
This is such a tragedy! I don't really understand how a few people on here are somewhat judgmental of this alleged victim because he didn't speak out sooner. If you understood abuse better, you would realize that it leaves scars and has a lot of psychological ramifications. Some people who cannot afford to get help, never speak out - basically Mr. Sandusky took away the lives of these young boys, most of them were already vulnerable when he met them and they idolized him. They will never be the same, they cannot go and get their childhood back. It has affected them, their families and any significant others that they may have had or will have. Please don't judge them, Mr. Sandusky is the one that should be judged here. To take advantage of a child is one of the most evil acts a human can commit. Hopefully the jury will be strong and do the right thing. Our country needs to do more to protect children from these scenarios.
My son was abused at the age of 9 by a teacher at his school It went on for months. I kept asking him what was wrong and he told me nothing. When I finally found out what was going on, I asked him why he didn't tell me sooner. He said that he was afraid it would only get worse and that I could not stop Mr. **** The legal system took care of the matter but we did not file a civil case. I could not handle my son at age 10 or 11 having to relive and describe what was done. If he dedices on his own to go after that mother f***** later, I will do everything in my power to help, but even after a few years of counseling, it is still very painful for him. Why didn't Sandusky's victims talk sooner... it is painful and shameful, he is powerful and respected... Think back to when you were all children, how easy would it be for you to talk about this?
If I had been abused to the point of what these boys have said, the absolute first thing I would do is TELL MY PARENTS!!! WTF were these kids thinking keeping this from their parents and adults in their lives...I will never, ever understand that...
Jedi, you should try to use the force a bit and realize that not all young warriors are made to be strong like you.
Yes, but a lot of the kids in this program didn't have parents or some adult that they trusted-so who would they have talked to? Sandusky was supposed to be the one adult they could trust, who was supposed to be their friend, mentor, etc? How do you report your mentor to himself?
Repeat, ad infinitum - they didn't have parents. Not anyone they could depend on. I think that's been made quite clear.
Even kids that have parents don't want to tell. And having only one parent or being in foster care, or not having strong support makes it worse. Stop blaming the kids!
You would understand if YOU had been molested.
I can speak from experience having been molested from a step-father for 4 years, age 5-9. When someone tells you, "if you tell anyone about this I will kill your sisters, your brother, & then I will kill your mom, and take you away forever" you tend to believe the evil monster who's staring you right in the eye. I mean, if he's capable of doing that, he's got to be capable of killing your entire family & then doing this to you forever.
Don't judge a man unless you've walked a mile in his shoes.
I've always felt that wrestling was a gay sport... this only confirms it!
for those who say "he should have spoken out" - pay attention to this now: a child is progressively touched - first a hand on the shoulder, then a hug that lasts a little long, then some wrestling where a hand ends up in the wrong place. The kids thinks is wrong, but is not sure, because they trust the adult. Then the adult progresses to back rubs that last a little to long and go too "low" down the back...then it's leg rubs that go up too far. Again - the kid is uncomfortable, but unsure. Surely this adult everyone likes is just being friendly. But then it moves further - and the adult tells you afterward that it's your fault, and that if the child tells someone, no one will believe them, and they will get in trouble - big trouble. And remember - you are 9, or 13..still believing in adult authority. Sure, when the child can, they avoid this person. And they hope it will stop, and when it does, all the child feels is shame that this happened, and then fear it will happen again, and some relief that it has stopped. and you now say "They should have spoken up."... If you truly think that - you have NO idea what happens in the mind and soul of a child who has been molested - to BLAME them, or ACCUSE them of "not doing enough to stop it" - is worse than stupid. Really. Re-read this. Again and again. Understand what this man (and other children) have gone through - and truly fear the monster that Sandusky is.
Oakland, well said. And there's another component. When the adult's hand goes slightly were it's not supposed to go, the adult (pedophile) gauges the child's reaction. Did the child outright slap the hand away? Okay, not a good victim...move on to someone else. Did the child act like it never happened? Hmmm...more testing is needed. Pedophiles have a lot of tools in their toolbox.
Hind sight is 20/20. I hope this guy doesn't beat himself up too bad. At 10 years of age, and something like that happens, I can only imagine how confused that must leave a child. Especially troubled kids who may not have strong leadership in their lives. The person they thought was their leader/mentor was sexually abusing them. Truly sad.