Earlier this week, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky made a shocking revelation during a shocking telephone interview with NBC sports reporter Bob Costas. During that interview, Sandusky admitted that he had showered with boys who participated in The Second Mile, a charity for underprivileged children. However, Sandusky maintained his innocence, denying that he had committed any sex crimes and refusing to label himself a pedophile.

Whether the contact between Sandusky and the boys went beyond showering, legal experts in Pennsylvania believe that indecent exposure could now be added to the list of criminal indictments against the coach. During the telephone interview, Sandusky admitted that he had showered with the children. He also expressed regret for his actions, telling Costas that he "shouldn't have showered with those kids."

Pennsylvania state law defines indecent exposure as a person exposing his or her genitals "in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know that this conduct is likely to offend, affront or alarm." Although indecent exposure is a second-degree misdemeanor, Sandusky's alleged offenses could elevate the crime to a first-degree misdemeanor if it is found that he knew that any of the boys were under the age of 16.

However, if Sandusky did not know that any of the children were uncomfortable showering with him, or if that type of communal showering is standard among athletic teams, he may be acquitted of the charge.

Sandusky is already facing criminal charges for allegedly committing sexual abuse against at least eight boys who participated in the Second Mile program. Several Penn State officials have also been charged or fired amidst accusations that they knew of the abuse but failed to report it.

Clearly, this story is still developing. We will continue to bring you information as it becomes available.

Source: Centre Daily Times, "Interview admissions studied: Sandusky proclaims innocence, but was showering 'with those kids' indecent exposure?" Curtis Tate, Nov. 16, 2011