So far, Michigan State University has refused to release findings of an internal review into how Dr. Larry Nassar was able to sexually abuse young gymnasts for years.
But that could change now that Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has formally asked to see them.
Schuette sent a letter making that request to MSU President Lou Anna Simon Monday.
MSU brought in former Chicago-based U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to conduct the review. However, the school maintains its results were never intended to be made public.
Fitzgerald is also representing the university in civil litigation. Numerous women are suing MSU over claims Nassar abused them, and school officials say the ongoing litigation prevents them from releasing Fitzgerald’s findings.
But in his letter to Simon, Scheutte wrote that the findings “will be critical to understanding the full picture of what, if any, responsibility other persons may have had regarding Nassar’s criminal conduct.”
Noting that Nassar pleaded guilty to sexual abuse charges in both Ingham and Eaton County courts last month, and that his office is “currently prosecuting Mr. Nassar for first degree criminal sexual conduct,” Schuette went on to say:
“Releasing the findings to the proper law enforcement authorities, such as the FBI, Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is essential to ensure that a complete and thorough investigation into Mr. Nassar’s actions is conducted. And, an analysis of the findings by law enforcement is needed to ensure justice for the victims of Mr. Nassar. Accordingly, I am also respectfully requesting that Michigan State University provide my office with the results of the Fitzgerald findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
MSU has maintained the investigation was always intended for internal use only, to re-shape university policies in the wake of the Nassar revelations and other recent sexual assault cases. Officials say if Fitzgerald finds evidence of further criminal conduct, he'll turn that over to law enforcement, but so far that hasn't happened.
However, in the wake of Nassar's guilty pleas several of his victims have called on the university to publicly release Fitzgerald’s findings.
