Things are not looking good for Bill Cosby.

 

The once-popular comedian has seen his reputation decimated after several women came forward throughout 2015 alleging that he drugged and assaulted them. Many of the allegations are from decades ago, but were either ignored by authorities or kept secret by women who feared they would not be believed.

 

Yesterday, Montgomery County charged the comedian with aggravated indecent assault.

 

Twelve years ago, the same county refused to take on the case, which involved Temple University employee Andrea Constand. At the time, she told police Cosby drugged her and violated her by putting his hands down her pants at his Philadelphia mansion.

 

The TV star acknowledged under oath a decade ago that he had sexual contact with Constand, but said it was consensual.

 

 

At the time, the Attorney General argued there was not enough evidence to support a trial. A civil suit was filed and settled out of court; the terms of the settlement have never been revealed.

 

The statute of limitations for a criminal trial were about to expire in this particular case, meaning the local authorities had to act quickly to keep the case open. This may be one of the few chances to let a judge and jury decide what really happened and, if guilty, punish Cosby for taking advantage of at least one of the women who crossed his path.

 

Cosby appeared in court at the end of the day, yesterday, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

 

Bill Cosby arraigned on sex charge in Pennsylania court [CBC]

 

Bill Cosby charged with felony sexual assault in Pennsylvania [Reuters]