NBC NATIONAL NEWS — Penn State University has asked a former FBI director to lead its investigation into child sexual abuse allegations.

Louis Freeh, who headed the FBI from 1993 until 2002 has been named special investigative counsel.

He's been given the authority to independently investigate all Penn State employees, including the board of trustees.

A grand jury recently accused former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky of sexually abusing eight young boys over a 15-year period.

The school's former president and former athletic director are also facing charges for failing to report allegations against Sandusky.