Ex-FBI head Freeh to probe PSU scandal

PHILADELPHIA -- Former FBI director Louis Freeh, tapped to lead Penn State's investigation into the child sex abuse allegations against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, said his inquiry will go as far back as 1975, a much longer period than a grand jury report issued earlier this month.

Freeh was named Monday to oversee the university board of trustees' internal investigation into the abuse allegations that ultimately led to the ouster of football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier.

Freeh said his goal is to conduct a comprehensive, fair and quick review. His team of former FBI agents, federal prosecutors and others has begun reading the grand jury report and looking at records.

"We will immediately report any evidence of criminality to law enforcement authorities," said Freeh, who has no direct connection to Penn State.

Penn State has faced criticism since announcing that its internal investigation would be led by two university trustees, Merck pharmaceutical company CEO Kenneth Frazier and state Education Secretary Ronald Tomalis.

Faculty members on Friday called for an independent investigation of how the university handled abuse allegations, and the faculty senate endorsed a resolution asking for an independent investigation.

In announcing Freeh's appointment, Frazier stressed the former FBI director's independence. "No one is above scrutiny," Frazier said.

Freeh said he was assured there would be "no favoritism."-- AP