Disabled man tells jury he was raped by Phila. youth football coach

Disabled man says he was raped by ex-coach

A 21-year-old disabled man testified Wednesday that he had been raped by former youth football coach Leon Watson, 25, who is charged with 55 counts, including rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, child endangerment, corruption of minors, indecent exposure, terroristic threats, and human trafficking.

Police presented photos and other evidence from a search of Watson's home in the 2400 block of West Diamond Street, saying it supported allegations by four children who testified earlier in the week that Watson had also sexually assaulted them. He's accused of assaulting five boys, ages 8 to 10, and the disabled man. The attacks ended after police raided his home in November 2013.

The prosecution and defense attorneys told Common Pleas Court Judge Timika Lane that they would finish their witness presentations Thursday and be ready for closing arguments. It was unclear whether Watson will testify in his own defense, his lawyer said. - Mark Fazlollah