Penn State Sex Scandal: 5 Key Figures in Case with Most to Lose

In what promises to be one of the biggest college football scandals in recent memory, former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is suspected of having had inappropriate sexual relationships with multiple young boys dating back to at least 1994.

Sandusky has been charged by the Pennsylvania state Attorney General's office with 40 sex charges against young boys. Sandusky reportedly met all of the boys through the Second Mile Foundation, which is an organization meant to help in the development of children.

It's important to stress that nothing has been proven yet, but many people have a lot at stake when it comes to this case. Here are the five people who have the most to lose with regards to the results of the Sandusky child abuse case.

Joe Paterno

Despite the fact that he isn't currently a target in the Sandusky investigation, legendary Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has a lot at stake. Paterno testified against Sandusky in grand jury proceedings and reportedly notified school officials of Sandusky's actions when he became aware of them in 2002.

Even so, questions will continue to be asked moving forward with regards to what Paterno knew, and when exactly he knew about it. Paterno seems to be genuinely truthful about not knowing what Sandusky was engaging in, but Sandusky could possibly rake him over the coals.

If Sandusky sees that he is inevitably going down, then he might decide to take Joe Pa with him. While Paterno has been cooperative throughout this process, Sandusky may think Paterno is betraying him. It will be interesting to see if Sandusky tries to get Paterno involved. If he does, then Paterno could very well lose his job and tarnish his legacy.

Mike McQueary

Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what led authorities to investigate Sandusky, it is safe to say that Penn State wide receivers coach Mike McQueary was a contributing factor. McQueary, a former Nittany Lion quarterback, reportedly witnessed Sandusky engaging in a sex act with a young boy in a locker-room shower in 2002.

McQueary, who was a graduate assistant at the time, reported what he saw to Joe Paterno. This apparently led Paterno to notify athletic director Tim Curley. It's hard to imagine that McQueary would make up such a thing, but his testimony is sure to be key.

For one, it may be questioned why he went to Paterno rather than the authorities. Also, there is always the possibility that he wasn't completely truthful. McQueary would seem to be a stand-up person, but if Sandusky somehow gets off scot free in this case, McQueary will look like a liar.

Gary Schultz

Amid perjury allegations, Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz was one of two high-ranking Penn State officials to step down in recent days. After graduate assistant Mike McQueary reportedly saw Sandusky sexually assaulting a young boy, he reported it to Joe Paterno.

Paterno relayed the information to Schultz and athletic director Tim Curley. Schultz and Curley met with McQueary a week later, and despite his recount of the situation, neither Schultz or Curley reported the incident to the authorities.

It seems quite apparent that Schultz knew about what Sandusky had done, so if Sandusky is found guilty, then Schultz could most certainly face jail time. Schultz's only hope at this point is if he can convince the jury that he had insufficient evidence to report Sandusky, but that seems unlikely seeing as he heard a first-hand account from McQueary.

Tim Curley

Like Gary Schultz, Penn State Athletic Director Tim Curley stepped down in order to face perjury allegations. Curley, who was Penn State's athletic director since 1993, failed to report Sandusky to the authorities after Joe Paterno notified him of Sandusky's alleged behavior.

In all likelihood, Curley was trying to avoid a catastrophic scandal under his watch, but he clearly made a huge mistake. Had he reported the incident, then I don't think anybody would have held him responsible. Covering up Sandusky's actions, however, make him look terrible in this instance.

Much like Schultz, Curley faces possible jail time for keeping the information to himself. He will also probably need to plead lack of evidence for why he didn't divulge to the authorities, but it seems more likely that he didn't want Penn State's image to be damaged.

Jerry Sandusky

As if there was any doubt, the person with the most to lose in this case is former Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sandusky. At one time Sandusky was viewed as the heir apparent to take over Penn State's head coaching job once Joe Paterno retired, however Sandusky retired abruptly in 1999.

The 67-year-old is charged with sexually assaulting several young boys over the past 15 years and most certainly could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty. Not only do the charges ruin his reputation, but they do the same to Penn State University and could, in a worst-case scenario, lead to the ouster of head coach Joe Paterno.

Sandusky was very highly respected as a coach with the Nittany Lions, so it comes as a surprise to many that he could be involved in such a scandal. While Sandusky is still innocent until proven guilty, it doesn't look good for him as several of his alleged sexual encounters are described in sickening detail in the case against him.