BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) - A psychologist testifying for the defense in the Jerry Sandusky trial says the former Penn State assistant football coach has a personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and attention seeking.
Elliot Atkins said Tuesday that he interviewed Sandusky for six hours before diagnosing the ex-coach with "histrionic personality disorder." Atkins said people with the disorder often interact with people in inappropriately seductive ways and don't feel comfortable unless they're the center of attention.
Sandusky's attorney is hoping to convince jurors that the disorder could explain his client's letters and other interaction that prosecutors allege shows his grooming of victims.
Sandusky's attorneys are trying to link the evolving testimony of accusers to details investigators shared with them during interviews.
The defense is trying to demonstrate the eight alleged victims could have been reacting to seeds planted by investigators when they said they had been sexually abused by the former Penn State assistant football coach.
A retired state police corporal initially said Tuesday that he did not recall sharing details of specific sex acts with accusers. But defense attorney Joe Amendola read him an interview transcript where he told one accuser that police had received reports of oral sex and rape involving Sandusky.
Sandusky is charged with 51 counts involving 10 boys. He denies the allegations.
The trial could wrap up by the end of the week witness testimony on his behalf expected to wrap up in less than three days.
Judge John Cleland announced the schedule on Monday after the first six defense witnesses testified about Sandusky's reputation in the community and the demanding hours and travel required of Penn State coaches.
There was no indication as to whether Sandusky might testify.
The first day of the defense portion of the case included a former Penn State coach who said he knew Sandusky brought boys into showers but never saw him do anything wrong.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky arrives at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa. , Monday, June 18, 2012. (AP Photo)
