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Former MSU Gymnastics Coach Kathie Klages Charged

Posted at 12:10 PM, Aug 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-24 08:12:21-04

Special Independent Counsel Bill Forsyth today announced that the Michigan Department of Attorney General has charged former Michigan State University women’s gymnastics coach Kathie Klages with two counts of lying to a peace officer. While investigating how Larry Nassar was able to get away with sexually assaulting hundreds of individuals on and off Michigan State’s campus, Klages denied to Michigan State Police detectives having been told prior to 2016 of Nassar’s sexual misconduct. Witnesses have said that they reported Nassar’s sexual abuse to Klages dating back more than 20 years. 

The warrant was authorized by Magistrate Laura Millmore in 54A District Court and a cash surety bond of $5,000 was set. The charges are for both a felony and a misdemeanor. The felony charge is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. 

The prosecution will be handled by the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Attorney General Bill Schuette has assigned his Chief Deputy, Laura Moody, and Criminal Division Lead Trial Attorney Bill Rollstin to prosecute Klages.

A criminal charge is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

MSU INVESTIGATION UPDATE
The investigation into MSU’s handling of Larry Nassar’s sexual misconduct is still open and ongoing. Since the investigation started, more than 500 people have been interviewed, including all Nassar survivors that wanted to be interviewed, as well as MSU faculty and staff, coaches, and members of the community. 

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Department of Attorney General has set up a tip hotline as well as an online form that allows those with information to come forward. Both the hotline and website accept anonymous submissions. 

Find out more - mi.gov/msuinvestigation