(Washington) -- The federal Education Department plans to investigate whether Penn State failed to report incidents of sexual abuse on campus, as required by law. Penn State has been formally notified of the probe by letter. Federal law states colleges and universities must disclose the number of criminal offenses on campus that are reported each year. Also, in certain cases, the institution must issue a timely warning if a reported crime represents a threat to the campus community. Those requirements fall under what's known as the Clery Act. Former Nittany Lions Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been charged with sexually abusing eight young boys over 15 years. All of the alleged victims took part in Sandusky's charity for at-risk children, the Second Mile. Former Penn State Athletic Director Tim Curley and ex-university Vice President Gary Schultz are facing charges for failing to notify authorities after being told about an incident. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says if the allegations are true, then it's a horrible tragedy for the victims. He adds if some people at the school knew of the abuse and did nothing or covered it up, it makes it even worse.