Former MSU coach Kathie Klages charged with lying to investigators in Larry Nassar case

Former Michigan State gymnastics coach Kathie Klages has been charged with lying to police in Lansing, Michigan in connection with the Larry Nassar sexual abuse investigation — according to the Lansing State Journal.

The charges, filed in 54A district court, claim that Klages was aware of sexual abuse by Nassar prior to her 2016 interview with police. During the interview she claimed she had no knowledge of the abuse. Survivors and witnesses have detailed to police incidents during which Klages was directly told about Nassar’s actions and did nothing.

Former student athlete Larissa Boyce told police that she detailed abuse by Nassar to Klages in 1997. When questioned about their meeting, police reports indicate that Klages said “I have beat myself up trying to remember but I have no idea.” Boyce is a plaintiff in a larger lawsuit against Michigan State, Nassar and USA Gymnastics.

Klages retired from Michigan State in Feburary of 2017 following a suspension issued by the school. A warrant for Klages’ arrest has been issued, and a $5,000 bond has been set. If found guilty one count of felony lying to a peace officer carries a maximum of four years in prison, with a second misdemeanor charge carrying a two year maximum sentence.

Klages is now the second person connected to Michigan State during Nassar’s time at the school who has been charged with lying to police. In March former dean William Strampel was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and charged with sexual abuse and willful neglect of duty. Like Klages, he denied any knowledge of Nassar’s abuse when police interviewed him in 2016.

Nassar was sentenced to 40-to-125 years in prison in February for multiple counts of sexual assault after being sentenced to 60 years in late-2017 for possession of child pornography.