Sandusky's wife calls victim 'conniving'

BELLEFONTE, Pa., June 19 (UPI) -- The wife of the former Penn State football coach charged with 52 counts of child sexual assault said in court Tuesday one alleged victim was "conniving."

Dottie Sandusky, wife of defendant Jerry Sandusky, offered testimony countering an alleged victim's statement that he had cried for help from the Sandusky's basement, where many of the assaults allegedly took place, the (State College) Centre Daily Times reported.

Dottie Sandusky told jurors Victim No. 4 was "demanding" and "conniving," adding, "He wanted his way and didn't listen a lot."

She also called Victim No. 9 "clingy" and a "charmer."

"He knew what to say, when to say it," she said.

Earlier Tuesday, John O'Brien, a psychologist on Sandusky's defense witness list, said the former coach has histrionic personality disorder.

O'Brien said the disorder, characterized by an excessive need for attention, explains Sandusky's e-mails and so-called grooming-type behavior toward his alleged victims, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Sandusky, 68, is on trial in Bellefonte, Pa., charged with 52 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys during a span of 15 years.

He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution rested Monday, and Sandusky's lawyers began presenting their case with witnesses testifying about Sandusky's character and reputation.

Defense lawyers said they will use the psychologist's testimony to rebut prosecution accusations that "words, tones, requests and statements" Sandusky made were meant to manipulate his victims.

Some independent experts consulted by the Inquirer said the disorder argument was shaky.

"If this was something where he needed attention, why not an age-appropriate affair or prostitutes? But he didn't do that," said Thomas Haworth, a psychologist at the Joseph J. Peters Institute in Philadelphia, a non-profit that treats sexual abuse victims and offenders.

Before entering the courtroom in Bellefonte, defense attorney Joe Amendola said the case was "like a soap opera," the Daily Times reported.

Which one?

"'All My Children,'" Amendola said.