because it happened to me. >> that woman was andrea constand.ector of operations for the women's basketball program in temple university. there she met bill cosby, a temple graduate and very big man on campus. >> we all know he was a very active alum and that included the women's basketball team. >> dianna from the online spot dead spin reported on constand and cosby. >> he would befriend her and have her over for dinner parties, sometimes dinner with the two of them. she thought he was someone who wanted to mentor her. >> but in january of 2005, constand told authorities cosby sexual assaulted her at his home in suburban philadelphia the year before. bruce castor was the county prosecutor at the time. >> the impressions detectives gave me about andrea that she was clearly telling the truth but her recollection was fuzzy. >> a fuzzy memory he says is consistent with victims of date rape drugs. >> we actually were building the theory that she had been drugged. >> cosby's lawyer called the acquisitions utterly preposterous and bizarre. >> cosby, i

constand sued in 2006 and settled. now after the recent allegations, his information in constand's suit is providing the new prosecutor with new evidence. we have the latest from jean casarez. >> reporter: christine, alison, bill cosby was not late to the arraignment yesterday in montgomery county, pennsylvania. when defendant cosby entered the court, he appeared he could not see well and his attorney took his arm get to the defense counsel and sat him down in his seat. the magistrate judge took the stand a short time later and apprised mr. cosby of the charges against him. alleged. aggravated assault and explained the prosecution. she told him bail was set at $1 million. 10% he would have to pay. cosby did not saying anything. he was intently looking. she was talking about the conditions of bail saying that he could not have any contact with the accuser with the complainant. he said who. she said do you understand what i'm telling you. he said yes. he gave up his passport and gave it to the prosecutor as a condition o

gingerly made his way to district court to face charges he drugged and sexually assaulted andrea constand in his cheltenham home 12 years ago. >> mr. cosby urged her to take pills, that he provided to her and to drink wind. >> reporter: former temple basketball employee told investigators that she was frozen, paralyzed, steele says cosby an ad myth todd giving constand what he claimed was over the the counter benadryl but maintained the encounter was consensual. >> we're 12 years in, 12 years after an alleged assault that was fully investigated. >> reporter: but prosecutors say it is unclear what cosby gave constand, and recently unsealed court document may hold the answer and plays a key role in the reopening of the investigation. during a civil suit deposition, cosby admitted that he obtained seven prescriptions for the powerful sedative, quaalude, and was asked by constand's attorney when you got the quaaludes was it in your mind that you were going to use these quaaludes for young woman that you wanted to have sex with? cosby responded, yes. >> reporter: prosecutors believe there are

constand did sue cosby in civil court and cosby settled. cosby is free on a million dollars bail and due in court in two weeks. >> thanks. 6:56, getting ready to celebrate the new year in japan in a few minutes. a live look at tokyo. here more than 100,000 people expected to celebrate and security will be tight. >> live in embarcadero on how police plan to keep everyone safe amid excitement. it starts with more officers out there. >> it does. more than in years past. we just had drivers on the road but very different on embarcadero. tonight with clouds lining streets, you can see the city has barricades out and ready. take note to restrictions like towaway zones through 4:00 in the morning. preparations have been well under way this for tonight's big fireworks show that kicks off at midnight for about 30 minutes. safety, of course, top of mind sfpd urging everyone to report anything suspicious. more officers in uniform, undercover, on bike, foot and in vehicles following this year's terrorist attacks. so that means more police stopping than

criminal charges were not filed constand later filed a civil suit against cosby. but that ended in a confidential settlement. depositions from that case were unsealed this past july. there, cosby insists the pills were "benadryl" describing the encounter with constand as "consensual." still, it was those depositions that led prosecutors to now file criminal charges. >> reopening this case was our duty. >> reporter: authorities in pennsylvania brought the felony charge today, as the 12-year out next month. lawyers for other accusers hope well. accused bill cosby of sexual assault, drugging, or rape which he has consistently denied. >> this is a stunning development. clearly now, they believe they have new evidence and new ammunition that they think can convict bill cosby. >> reporter: cosby was released on $1 million bail. his mug shot was taken. he was fingerprinted. had to surrender his passport and was ordered not to contact releasing a statement to abc news, saying "make no mistake, we intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge." >> and

cosby is charged with assaulting andrea constand. she skred cosby, 37 years her senior to be a mentor over the months after they met, he invited her to several public events and private dinners. >> mr. cosby made two sexual advances at her that were rejected. on the evening in question, with mr. cosby urged her to take bills that he provided to her and to drink wine. >> according to the criminal complaint, the pills and wine left constand dizzy, nauseous, frozen and paralyzed. despite her impaired physical and mental condition, the victim was aware that cosby was fondling her breasts, put his hands into her pants and penetrated her. waking up lours later with her clothes disshelved and bra undone, constand said cosby handed her a muffin, walked her to the door and said "all right." constand went to the police about a year later and again according to the criminal complaint, cosby admitted to investigators much of what constand had described except saying the victim never told him to stop, never pushed him away, never told him her vis

constand says in the winter of 2004, she went to cosby's house for career advice. cosby offered, and she took, three blue pills and wine to relax. in the criminal complaint released today, she told police within a half hour, she experienced, "blurred vision and difficulty speaking." her legs felt rubbery, like time. she says though she was unable to move or speak, she felt cosby fondle her breasts and vagina, and woke up about 4:00 the next morning, still in his home. prosecutor kevin steele: >> the victim came to consider mr. cosby her mentor and her friend. today, after examination of all the evidence, we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim. >> reporter: when cosby was questioned by police back in 2005, he admitted the two had sexual contact but said he had given constand the allergy pill benadryl and that the contact was consensual. at the time, the district attorney announced no criminal charges, citing lack of evidence. but investigators reopened her case this past summer after a judge unsealed portions of depositions from the civil suit constand

the settlement prevents constand from discussing the case even now. her attorney said today, quote, we wish to express our appreciation to the investigators for the consideration and courtesy they have shown andrea during this difficult time. end quote. our coverage of breaking news will continue over the next hour. legal analyst will talk to us about what could happen next if cosby could face even more charges from his many accusers. we'll be hearing from you, get reaction from the public from all around the country. we'll share that with you in a bit. >>> right now update on the first alert weather forecast. nbc 10 tracking rain that could affect parts of the region tonight. chief meteorologist glenn "hurricane" schwartz is standing by with with the very latest. >> yeah, it is going to be another wet night across the area. a lot of rain along with all of the warmth. a lot of clouds, too, having seen the sun lately. there's fog around as well. here comes some of the rain. those is very light. some not reaching the ground. near baltimore, coming up i-

constand in this case.s right. >> might any of your clients be brought in, and how would that affect the case that we're talking about here? >> well, that would be a decision made by the prosecutor and ultimately the court. and i'll just make an educated guess that it's highly likely a defense will not want any other women who allege that they are victims to testify. you know, as to the defense attorneys' allegation that it's too late, well, obviously it's not too late. it's still within the time period setly law in pennsylvania within the 12 years, which is a statute of limitations for criminal prosecution in this type of case. it's still, you know, time to prosecute. >> right. >> and so -- and when you say, well, i hope they ask andrea what she's been doing during this time because the answer's clear, and we know it. it's on the record. she filed a civil lawsuit. she spoke to law enforcement. not long after the alleged incident occurred with mr. cosby. and, you know, she gave them a report of what happene

andrea constand's credibility, and also mr.osby's credibility if he decides to take the witness stand and testify, which is going to be interesting to see whether or not he does or invokes the 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination. and then there is a question of others who allege similar acts by mr. cosby will also be permitted to testify under pennsylvania law. i want to the say that i am from pennsylvania, originally, and born in pennsylvania, and i went to school in the philadelphia area, and very proud to be from pennsylvania, and especially on this day when the montgomery county has decided that there is sufficient evidence in the district attorney's opinion to proceed and to try to prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt. >> certainly a big day for all of those women who have been taking the stand against him. gloria allred, nice to see you and thank you. >> you, too. thank you. >>> next, a day ahead of new year's eve, officials say tighter security in times square, taand the rose bowl in s angeles. what is

it is there that the prosecutor says that cosby drugged and assaulted andrea constand cosby's then friend and temple university employee. >> on the evening in question, mr. cosby, urged her to take pills, that he provided to her, and to drink wine. the the effect of which rendered her unable to move, or respond to his advances, and he committed aggravated indecent assault upon her. >> reporter: any response, mr. . no reaction from the 78 year-old comedian as he enter the the court for his initial arraignment. judge set his bond at one million-dollar and terms of that bond require cosby to have no communication with constand. he is also required to turn over his passport which his attorney did at the arraignment. >> after leaving the court, cosby was book in the chelten a ham police department, his mug shot, snapped and the the comedian then posted bond and

those cases started to come to light after constand filed her civil suit. that will civil suit was settled out of court. since then, allegations have piled up. tonight, gloria allred who represents 29 of the alleged victims says this has been a long time coming. the women she represents all tell a similar story. >> i was willing in 2005 to testify on behalf of andrea if it was helpful to her case. i remain willing to do that. >> seeing him criminally charged and having to face a trial is the best christmas present that they have ever received. >> cosby has strongly denied all allegations, and he has filed suit against some of his accusers for deaf nation. nbc 10, the first station to bring you news of the charges. we have expanded coverage online. you can read all the court documents. chip kelly breaks his silence one day after being fired. he's revealing what he regrets from his time at eagles head coach. we're live with all the details. john? >> you know chip kelly was fired last night. today jeff lori said he did not give chip a chance to stay on as coac

andrea constand's attorney, dolores troiani said that andrea constand is so grateful that this district attorney's office is now putting their confidence in her. erin? >> all right. thank you very much, jean. "outfront" now, paul callan, and stacy hanowitz, a sex crimes prosecutor. this may be the only one within the statute of limitations, just to make it clear for, well, why is this the only one? how long could bill cosby go to prison if andrea constand wins this case? >> this crime, aggravated sexual assault in pennsylvania, has a ten-year prison sentence that can attach to it. that's the maximum that he would be looking at. >> in his case, he's 78 years old, that's a very long period of time. it's not going to be a slam dunk, though? >> no. absolutely. any rape case in and of itself is difficult to prosecute but you have a case here where you have a celebrity and it's almost like a david and goliath type of situation. in this case it differs because if the state attorney is able to have all of the other women testify against him, if that testimony is admissible, then certainly it ma

constand says in the winter of fofocareer advice. cosby offered, and she took, three blue pills and wine to relax. in the criminal complaint released today, e told police within a half hour, she experienced, "blurred vision and difficulty speaking." her legs felt rubbery, like jelly, and she had no sense of time. she says though she was unable totoove or speak, she fefe cosby fondle her breasts and vagina, and woke up about 4:00 the next morning, still in his home. prosecutor kevin steele: >> the victim came to consider mr. cosby hehementor and her friend. today, after examination of all the evidence, we areble to seek justice on behalf of the victim. >> reporter: when cosby was questioned by police back in 2005, he admitted the two had sexual contact but said he had given constand the allergy pill nadryl and that the e ntact was consensual. attorney announced no criminal charges, citing lack of evidence. but investigators reopened her case this past summer after a judge unsealed portions of depositions from the civil suit constand f

and then the constand story comes back. and then you have women from the early '60s, the late '60s, the '70s, the '80s slowly start to come forward. all of these cases the statute of limitations having run out. let me get it important to who we are talking about. cosby was a groundbreaking african-american median and actor, but also someone who launched series after series that made history. bill cosby and the cosby kids, whether it is "i spy," the first african-american helmed television series. then he has "the cosby show," the longest running hit comedy series since "all in the family" in the 1970s. he was an icon. >> he was a perfect family. >> and many of the accusers point that out, that this sort of dichotomy, and some of them worked with him on "the cosby show" and many were models or actresses and describe this idea that he's this figure that's up on a pedestal who you first don't think you can take on because he's got a machinery around them, they would say, but then you're having this thing happen in private to y

constand says in the winter of 2004, she went to cosby's house for career advice. cosby offered, and she took, three blue pills and wine to relax. in the criminal complaint released today, she told police within a half hour, she difficulty speaking." her legs felt rubly, like jelly, and she had noense of time. she says though sheas unable to move or speak, she felt cosby fondle her breasts and vagina, and woke up about 4:00 the next morning, still in his home. prosecutor kevin steele: >> the victim came t consider mr. cosby her mentor and her friend. today, after examination of all the evidence, we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim. >> reporter: when cosby was questioned by police back in 2005, he admitted the two had sexual contact but said he had given constand the allergy pill benadryl and that the contact was consensual. at the time, the district attorney announced no criminal charges citing lack of evidence. but investigators reopened her case this past summer after a judge unsealed portions of constand filed in 2005, in which cosby admitted giv

andrea constand has spoken publicly about her case. now her lawyer says constand feels gratified. the lawyer says, we are quoting here, receiving numerous communications from women with their own experience, naturally, it is troubling. but it took until the 11th hour for this day to arrive. the lawyer also says constand is in her own words hopeful her patience has encouraged other victims to come forward. in the next half hour, we will talk to an attorney representing dozens of those victims from california and we'll also hear from the former montgomery county district attorney who decided not to prosecute the case against cosby. in the digital operations center, monique braxton, nbc 10 news >>> the campaign trail's war of words is getting personal between donald trump and the clintons. hear huh he is attacking himself. >>> new information against the woman accused of riding her car into a las vegas crowd. we'll tell you what police say she had in her system >>> and cold temperatures settle in for us for your new years eve, headed into tomorrow, new year's day, we'll have your mum

toronto to talk to andrea constand herself.tates that andrea constand when they reopened the investigation said she would cooperate. alisyn. >> jean, thank you for that. for many of bill cosby's a accusers it brought about a vindication. she said she was sexually assaulted in 1978 and 1980. patricia, nice to see you, thanks for being on "new day." >> thank you, alisyn. >> patricia, what was it like yesterday when you heard the news that bill cosby was being charged with sexual assault? >> i was very emotional when i heard the news. it took me about a moment, amaye two minutes to process what happened after i received a text from a dear friend. i just started to cry. we were in a public place, my husband and i, i just put my arms around him and stood there and cried. it was very emotional for me. >> what was that? what were those tears that you were crying? >> i've been thinking about this since yesterday. i think they were tears of relief. tears of joy and tears of validation. because for so many years people did not believe me

but constand quickly filed a civil suit.. which resulted in a confidential settlement agreement with cosby. constand, the first of some 50 women to have come forward. he and his attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations against him...today issuing a strong statement in his defense.. " make no mistake, we intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge and we expect that mr. cosby will be exonerated by a court of law." bill cosby did not during the arraignment. the judge ordered him to surrender his passport. cosby posted a one-million-dollar bail. a federal grand jury charged the friend of one of the san bernardino shooters with conspiring to give material support to terrorists. authorities say enrique marquez bought rifles used by the gunmen in the mass shooting that left 14 people dead this month. the killers... sayed farook and his wife, tashfeen malik, were killed in a shootout with police. officials say marquez and terror attacks previously but never carried one marquez is being held without bai

constand later settled with cosby in civil court. cosby admitting in recently case -that he' d given qualludes to women, but insisting the benadryl, describing the encounter with her as consensual. those statements in part led prosecutors to reopen the investigation. >> reopening this case was our duty as law enforcement officers. >> constand is one ofmore than 50 women who' ve accused the 78-year-old of sexual assault, drugging or rape over several decades, but this is the first time cosby' s been criminally charged. >> i' m very happy that this day has finally come. >> cosby' s lawyers releasing a statement saying, we intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge. cosby is scheduled to be back here in court january 14. in elkins park, pennsylvania, marci gonzalez, abc news. tom: all new year' s eve festivities in brussels belgium have been called off due to terror concerns. the decision comes one day after belgian authorities arrested two involved in a plot to attack year' s prime minister says the decision to

instead, according to constand, the pills nearly knocked her out. and while she was barely conscious and unable to resist or consent, cosby assaulted her. when andrea constand first made these allegations in 2004, she was very much on her own. but over the last year, dozens of women have made similar allegations against mr. cosby, allegations that span decades, many of which are strikingly similar to constand's. a mentor/mentee relationship, unwanted advances, pills, sexual assault. and in a deposition unsealed this past summer, a deposition cosby gave in that civil suit constand filed in 2005, the one where cosby was represented by the chair of the temple board of trustees, in this newly unsealed deposition, bill cosby admitted that he developed relationships with women in order to pursue sex. he admitted that he gave quaaludes to women. but he insisted it was always consensual. and the pills were kind of a party drug, not the malicious tool of a sexual predator. bill cosby and his representatives have always denied all of these allegations. he has

constand's attorney asked the following question. cosby replied, yes. he later said he misunderstood the question. monique presley is cosby's attorney. >> it's sad for his legal team, for his family that he would be dragged through this. we are 12 years in. twelve years after an alleged assault. that was fully investigated. >> reporter: for victoria value valentino valentino, the charges offer vindication. >> i pretty much had given up on justice prevailing. it just means that people have been hearing us. >> reporter: cosby only shook his head at reporters as he left the courthouse wednesday. >> what do you have to say, sir? >> reporter: with helicopters and cameras following his every move, he was then taken to a local jail to be fingerprinted and booked. cosby is due back in court next month for a preliminary hearing. if he is convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison and a 25,000 dollar fine. jeff? >> cosby's attorney monique presley is with us from washington. thank you for being with us. >> good morning. >> what was your client's reaction

cosby deserves a fair trial, so does andrea constand. mr. cosby was born in philadelphia, and i was as well. he attended an all boys academic public high school. i attended the all girls academic public high school a few blocks away. he went to temple university in philadelphia. i am a graduate of the university of pennsylvania in philadelphia. he came to los angeles in the 60s and i also moved to los angeles boston. i will be monitoring the progress of his criminal case. if the prosecutor decides it's relevant and admissible to call any of my clients as witnesses in the criminal case, i know many of my clients will be willing to testify. and we look forward to a just result. before i take questions, this is a copy of the arrest warrant commonwealth of pennsylvania versus william henry cosby. and this is from the criminal docket in that case. all right. okay. so i'm happy to answer some questions. >> but is there anything that was gleaned out of the deposition in october that may have tipped the scales for the da in philadelphia? >> the dist

in the criminal complaint constand says cosby told her the pills were herbal. and after taking them she lost her strength but was aware of cosby, quote, fondling her breasts. and of his hands into her pants. >> what we know is that pills were provided. there's inconsistencies on what type of pills they were. there was also wine that was provided. we then go to the reaction of the victim, you know, frozen, paralyzed, unable to move. a person in that state cannot give consent. >> constand was the first woman to publicly come forward accusing cosby. since then some 50 women have alleged similar sexual assaults over a period of four decades. most involving the use of drugs. cosby has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and even filed a countersuit against seven women earlier this month. cosby says their accusations hurt his reputation and derailed his plans for a new comedy show. prosecutors are right up against the expiration of the 12-year statute of limitations for sexual assault cases in pennsylvania, which will close early next year. cosby could get up to ten yea

andrea constand... but that it was consensual. prosecutors said cosby had made two previous advances toward constand that were rejected, before he allegedly drugged her. steele says: reopening this case was not a question. rather, reopening this case was our duty as law enforcement officers with a to uphold our constitutions and to uphold the law. the charges are happening just days before the 12-year statute of limitations was about to run out in this case. constand's attorney says her client welcomes the charges. in new york, laura ingle, fox news. lawyer gloria allred represents 29 women accusing bill cosby of sexual misconduct. "i'm very happy that this day has finally come. mr. cosby deserves a fair trial. but so does andrea constand and the people of the state of pennsylvania". some television networks have cut re-runs of cosby-related programming in the wake of the allegations. however- "hulu" still has more than 200 episodes of the "cosby show" available for streaming. the service - which has nine million subscribe

constand says he encouraged her to take pills and drink wine and then attacked her. the prosecutor at the time said there was not enough evidence. speaking on the "today" show this morning bill cosby's attorney said constand's case was settled years ago when the then district attorney said there wasn't enough evidence to go to trial. >> my client is not guilty and there will be no consideration on our part of any sort of arrangement. >> bill cosby is due back in court in january. but again, at least 57 women are watching to see what happens in this particular case but there are many people who believe there are many more women out there as well. laura. >> thank you very much. >>> happening today, a grandmother in fairfield will be arraigned on charges of killing her 4-year-old grandson. police say she confessed to the horrific crime. dawn raines-hewes held in solana county jail. according to recent reports that grandmother left her home screaming that morning. neighbors looked out the window with concern. the report said some went inside the home and saw the 4-year-o

cosby claims he did give constand three ha pills of benadryl and ucd her sexually because he said she did not elicit tly st him. i don't hear her say anything and i don't feel r say atng so i continue and i go in e area that is somewhere between rssion and rejection. >>> the question now becos a legaln have mo on that. theresf course a civil case between cosby and constand but now this is i criminal case that the district attorney, newly elt one, is iing. we wi haveore on that r of the storm fridaya cuellar. >> it thes very difficult to prosecute a case om th long ago most of the the m reporter: criminal defense attorney jk mahon is a former precutor in the philadelphia d.a.'s office. he said critical question is whether to allow prr allege bad aor would that be seen as prejudicial to bill cosby. >> it is not a very good case. the bruce castor cid not prosecute because he did not feel heould get a conviction. nothing has rllyhanged in tenears other than these multiple lations. >> reporter: all along s claimhe encounter was consensual but the victim has claimed sheas drugged with drugs