Former Michigan State University and United States Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, was sentenced today to up to 175 years in prison for criminal sexual abuse. The sentencing comes after days of testimony from 156 of Nassar’s victims who came forward to face him in court.
Nassar faced the full Lansing courtroom to speak. “Your words these past several days have had a significant emotional effect on myself,” Nassar said, as reported by CNN. “I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days.”
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said Nassar’s “decision to assault was precise, calculated, manipulative, devious, despicable.”
“It is my honor and privilege to sentence you. You do not deserve to walk outside a prison ever again,” she said, as reported by Mlive.com. “You have done nothing to control those urges and anywhere you walk, destruction will occur to those most vulnerable.”
Nassar’s 40-year sentence will begin after his initial 60-year federal prison sentence from December for child pornography charges. The 54-year-old Nassar will technically be first eligible for parole in 99 years, in 2117.
Attorneys met in Grand Rapids today to open discussions about civil suits against Nassar, MSU and USAG for ignoring complaints from athletes to both institutions and if anyone who enabled Nassar in the past 25-years with his crimes can be held to a criminal standard. Those hearings will begin after Nassar’s trial is complete.
UPDATE 1/25/18 2:31 p.m. – Michigan State President, Lou Anna Simon, resigned Wednesday after many, including Michigan Senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, called for her resignation in light of the Nassar sentencing. Simon penned a letter to the MSU Board of Trustees and students. The letter from the Michigan State University Communications Department can be found here.
UPDATE 1/26/18 4:28 p.m. – Michigan State Athletic Director, Mark Hollis, resigned from his position on Friday following the sentence of Nassar. Hollis also announced his retirement effective Jan. 31.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available
