Dec 30, 2015 2 min read

Bill Cosby’s reputation as America’s favorite avuncular uncle has come undone quickly and brutally over the last year or so, as an ever-lengthening procession of women have come forward with allegations that Cosby sexually assaulted them after he plied them with sedatives and alcohol.

But despite the fact the number of accusers is now north of 50, Cosby evaded criminal charges, in part because many of the allegations date back to the 1960s and 1970s, well past the point when the statute of limitations has run out, and in some cases because evidence no longer exists, aside from the alleged victim’s word.

That all changed Wednesday.

In Montgomery County, prosecutors filed a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault against Cosby, just before the clock ticked out on the statute of limitations in that case. They said Cosby sexually abused Andrea Constand, who worked with the Temple University basketball team and looked to Cosby as a friend and mentor. The allegations Constand leveled against Cosby jibe with those made by other women – a visit to his home or hotel room, this time in 2004, an offer of pills, followed by a blackout. According to Constand, she woke up after one visit to Cosby’s home outside Philadelphia to find her bra undone and sweater in disarray.

In a civil suit, Cosby claimed their relationship was consensual, and asserted he was an inveterate skirt-chaser, but not a predator. The cascade of accusations suggests otherwise.

For all too long, it now appears, Cosby was shielded from any consequences for his alleged behavior by fame and the belief no one would believe he was capable of committing such acts. And though he should be accorded the presumption of innocence, like any criminal defendant, Cosby will now have to face a jury of his peers rather than just the court of public opinion.