Attorney General Bill Schuette charged former USA Gymnastics and MSU doctor Larry Nassar with 22 additional counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree. The felony is punishable by up to a life in prison for each charge.
The charges filed are against Larry Nassar, 53, of Holt. He allegedly sexually abused young female athletes under the guise of medical treatment. The abuse allegedly occured in both his home treatment room, and in medical settings, such as the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic and Twistars Gymnastics Club.
Five of the charges are with victims who were under the age of 13 a the time of the alleged assault. The remaining 17charges are related to Nassar taking advantage of his position of authority to commit the alleged sexual assaults.
“Dr. Nassar preyed on these young girls, he used his status and authority to engage in horrid sexual assaults under the guise of medical procedures. He violated the oath that every doctor takes to do no harm,” said Schuette. “The girls abused by Dr. Nassar were so young, so innocent that they didn’t fully understand what Nassar was doing to them until many years later. We have a duty to protect our children, and that’s what we are doing today.”
“The allegations of sexual assault against Dr. Nassar continue to increase nearly every day, and we remain constantly in contact with the victims as we move forward,” said Michigan State University Police Chief Jim Dunlap. “Our priority is getting justice for the survivors and we are determined to make certain that occurs. I encourage anyone who may have been a victim of Larry Nassar to come forward by contacting the MSU Police Department.”
The charges were filed in Ingham County's 55th District Court, and Eaton County's 56A District Court. You can read through the fillings by following the links to the right of this article. Reader discretion is advised, as the documents contain information that some may find disturbing.
A short summary of the filings is as follows:
- 5 Counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree (Felony, 25-year mandatory minimum, up to life in prison): Sexual penetration of another person under the following circumstance: victim is under the age of 13.
- 17 Counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree (Felony, life offense): Sexual penetration of a victim between the ages of 13-16 and the alleged assailant is in a position of authority over the victim and used this authority to coerce the victim to submit; or when the actor causes personal injury to the victim and engages in the medical treatment or examination of the victim in a manner or for purposes that are medically recognized as unethical or unacceptable.
Nassar will be arraigned on Thursday, February 23 at the 55th District Court at 10:00 a.m. and via video at 56A District Court at 1:00 p.m.
