Pennsylvania has a 12-year statute of limitations when it comes to prosecuting sexual assault cases. And this 12-year statute—which, regarding allegations that former Temple University employee Andrea Constand made against Bill Cosby, expires in January 2016—could have Cosby facing charges.
According to Constand, Cosby drugged and molested her during a January 2004 dinner at his home in Pennsylvania. In a lawsuit filed by Constand, she said Cosby offered her three blue pills after she complained about being stressed. Shortly after taking the pills, she said she felt sick, becoming dizzy and weak. Constand’s lawsuit alleged that Cosby “touched her breasts and vaginal area, rubbed his penis against her hand and digitally penetrated” her. Constand eventually settled out of court with Cosby and signed a confidentiality agreement about the terms.
As the expiration date for the statute of limitations inches closer, Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County prosecutor could pursue charges against Cosby, according to CBS News. And one lawyer in Pennsylvania told CBS that Cosby’s agent contacted him for representation.
Lawyer Edwin Jacobs said that the agent contacted him regarding the Montgomery County investigation, but he directed the agent to another high-profile lawyer in Pennsylvania.
In a statement to People, Constand’s lawyer said her client would be willing to cooperate in a new investigation.
“She’s a very strong lady,” lawyer Dolores Troiani said Tuesday. “She’ll do whatever she needs to do, whatever they ask of her.”
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman did not confirm whether her office was reinvestigating Constand’s original complaint, but in a statement she did say that “prosecutors have a responsibility to review past conclusions … when current information might lead to a different decision.”
Bruce Castor, who was the district attorney when Constand filed the complaint, said there wasn’t enough evidence to prosecute Cosby then.
Considering that more than 40 women have recently come forward, there may be cause for Pennsylvania to reopen the case.