A former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting female minors, reports state.
Former professional Dr. Larry Nassar, 53, was arrested and charged on Monday, with three counts of criminal sexual assault of a person under 13 years old, court documents reveal. Nassar is facing life, if convicted.
“We did anticipate these charges being brought.” Nassar’s attorney, Matthew Newburg stated after a meeting with his client on Monday. “We have a plan in place and we at prepared to defend him.”
Michigan State University as well as the state’s Attorney General’s Office began the investigation. Early last month, the Attorney General announced his review of the allegations brought against Nassar.
According to CNN, the first incident occurred July 1, 1998. Nassar spent his career as a team physician for the Michigan State University gymnastic and woman’s crew teams. He was also an associate professor at the school. In addition, Nassar worked as the USA Gymnastics doctor through four Olympics. As a result of the recent charges, USA Olympic Gymnastic coaches Bela and Marta Karolyi are facing a lawsuit. Apparently, they “turned a blind eye to Nassar’s sexual abuse of children.”
The USA Gymnastics released a statement Monday, in light of the former physician’s arrest.
“As we previously have made clear, when USA Gymnastics first learned of athlete concerns regarding Dr. Nassar, those concerns were reported to the FBI and Nassar was dismissed from further involvement with USA Gymnastics,” the statement read. “We are unable to comment further due to the ongoing FBI investigation and pending litigation.”
