Former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar has pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct on Wednesday, with each count punishable with 25 to 40 years in prison, according to The Detroit News.
Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar pleads guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges
Nassar was accused by USA Gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas, among others.
JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
More than 130 women have come forward to tell their stories of abuse by Nassar, including London 2012 silver medalist McKayla Maroney, as well as members of the 2016 gold medal team Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas. His crimes first came to light last September, when former gymnast Rachael Denhollander told IndyStar about the abuse she endured at the hands of the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, which he disguised as necessary medical treatment.
In his only statement following the plea Nassar said he wants “healing at this time,” adding that he’s “praying the rosary every day for forgiveness.” Judge Rosmarie Aquilina responded by saying:
“Now is the time of healing but it may take them a lifetime of healing while you spend your lifetime behind bars.”
Sentencing is set for Jan. 12 on the charges Nassar pleaded guilty to on Wednesday.
A separate trial is set for Dec. 4, in which Nassar is expected to plead guilty to another three charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. In addition, a pending civil case has yet to be heard involving 140 survivors who allege they were also abused at the hands of Nassar during his time working with USA Gymnastics and Michigan State.
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