An internal investigation into the Penn State University child abuse scandal found that university leaders, including late head football coach Joe Paterno, “concealed critical facts” about former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s sexual abuse of young boys.

Former FBI director Louis Freeh was hired by university trustees to look into the scandal after Sandusky was arrested. He released the results to his eight-month investigation Thursday.

“Our most saddening and sobering finding is the total disregard for the safety and welfare of Sandusky’s child victims by the most senior leaders at Penn State.”

Freeh blamed Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno, ex-President Graham Spanier, athletic director Tim Curley and former senior vice president Gary Schultz for failing to take any steps for 14 years. He said evidence reflects that coach Paterno play a pivotal role in the decision not to go to authorities.

A jury convicted Sandusky last month of sexually abusing 10 boys. Freeh said he hoped the investigation would help bring victims relief and support after the leaders of Penn State failed them.

“It is the duty of adults to protect children and to immediately report any suspected child sex abuse to law enforcement authorities”

Sandusky is awaiting sentencing after the jury found him guilty of 45 criminal counts.