BELLEFONTE, Pa. —Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky this morning waived his preliminary hearing, a decision that moves him toward a trial on charges of child sex abuse.

At least some of his 10 accusers had been expected to testify at the hearing.

The move was announced as the hearing began.

At such hearings, prosecutors must show that they have probable cause to bring the case to trial.

Sandusky had entered the county courthouse through the back door this morning with his wife, Dottie, at his side.

He looked straight ahead, ignoring questions from reporters. Defense attorney Joseph Amendola followed him into the courthouse.

About 50 members of the media and 10 residents, a few of them waiting with cameras to take pictures, awaited his arrival.

Sandusky is accused of molesting children he met through his charity.