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Former USA gymnastics doctor charged with sexual assault

Larry Nassar mug shot
Michigan Attorney General's office

A former USA Gymnastics doctor and Michigan State University professor has been charged with criminal sexual assault. Dr. Larry Nassar was arraigned today Tuesday on three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the first degree for allegedly abusing a girl under 13 years old. If convicted, Nassar faces up to life in prison. 

Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office is prosecuting the case with the Michigan State Police Department handling the investigation. 

During a press conference, Schuette said, “Dr. Nasser stole this young lady’s childhood, and as a father it breaks my heart to see that. And these are predatory acts, criminal acts that are just outrageous.”

While the current charges stem from one victim, Schuette said there may be more charges filed in the future. 

“The intensity of this joint investigation by the Department of Attorney General and MSU PD is a reflection of the significance of this case and the enormity of this case and the – this is the tip of the iceberg,” he said. 

During the press conference, MSU Police Chief James Dunlap said that they have received about 50 complaints against Nassar so far. Schuette encouraged other victims to come forward saying, “It is our intent, all of us here, all of us here, that the filing of these charges will provide hope to other victims of this predator, and we are hopeful that other victims may step forward.”

Allegations against Nassar first became public in September when the IndyStar published an article about two former gymnasts accusing Nassar of sexual abuse.  

Before becoming the newest Capitol reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network, Cheyna Roth was an attorney. She spent her days fighting it out in court as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Ionia County. Eventually, Cheyna took her investigative and interview skills and moved on to journalism. She got her masters at Michigan State University and was a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and freelance writer before finding her home with NPR. Very soon after joining MPRN, Cheyna started covering the 2016 presidential election, chasing after Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and all their surrogates as they duked it out for Michigan. Cheyna also focuses on the Legislature and criminal justice issues for MPRN. Cheyna is obsessively curious, a passionate storyteller, and an occasional backpacker. Follow her on Twitter at @Cheyna_R