One week ago, state prosecutor Angela Polivaitis announced that 88 women and girls would give victim impact statements in the sentencing hearing of disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar.
Now the prosecution says that number has risen to 144, and more may decide to speak before the sentence is announced this week.
Michigan Radio's Kate Wells was in the courtroom Monday, and she spoke with Stateside about the statements.
Listen to the conversation above, or read more about the sentencing below.
Valerie Webb is comforted by her mother while giving her statement. Webb previously defended Nassar, but Monday told Nassar, "Larry, you manipulated me."
"Larry, you brought me close to you so you could...make me think you were a good person...but all along it was only to help yourself."
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina will sentence Nassar this week, after she hears from almost 150 victims.
One victim gave an anonymous statement last week, but has since decided to make it public:
Victim #48 spoke anonymously last week. Media were asked not to record her statement. She came to me afterwards and said she, in fact, wanted her statement to be recorded b/c she wanted people to see it. I told her I'd include it here. pic.twitter.com/LklV47eFiY
— Kate Wells (@KateLouiseWells) January 22, 2018
Emma Ann Miller was the 95th victim to give a statement. She's only 15 years old. In addition to describing the abuse she suffered, Miller called for Michigan State University to be held accountable, saying, "MSU, it's time for me to determine my circumstance. And it's going to be aimed right at you."
You can listen to Miller's statement in full below. Please note that some of the statement may be difficult to hear.
