Victims' Advocate Says Charges Against Cosby Show It's Not Too Late For Alleged Victims To Come Forward

(CBS) -- For the first time, America's TV dad, philanthropist, and moral crusader Bill Cosby faces criminal charges for alleged sexual assault.

The case goes back nearly 12 years ago when a Pennsylvania woman claimed Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her. Cosby is free on $1 million bond.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos reports prosecutors acted now because these charges come just days before the statute of limitations for bringing charges was set to run out. As for most of Cosby's other alleged victims, the law says it's too late.

On Wednesday, 78-year-old Bill Cosby needed to be helped into a Pennsylvania courthouse with two people on either side of him. His lawyers say he's nearly blind.

Cosby is accused of sexually assaulting former Temple employee Andrea Constand at his Pennsylvania home in 2004. Constand accuses Cosby of plying her with pills and wine, then penetrating digitally without her consent.

12 years later Cosby is charged with felony aggravated indecent assault.

"I think the fact that there are charges that have come out of this case, does show some signs of hope," said Megan Blomquist of the group Rape Victim Advocates.

Blomquist says the charges show "it's never too late to speak out."

In Cosby's case, more than 50 other women have spoken out, also accusing him of sexual assault.

"He's untouchable on those cases," said CBS 2 Legal Expert Irv Miller. "The Statute of limitation is gone. Throughout the country, this was the only case left that a prosecutor could charge."

The charges against Cosby are punishable by five to 10 years behind bars and a $25,000. Cosby's attorneys say the charges are unjustified.

He's out on bond, but he'll be back in court next month.