Former Team USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar Has Been Charged With Sexual Assault in Texas
Former U.S. gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with six counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child on Friday, following an investigation conducted into an elite sports center owned by coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi. Nassar is already serving decades in prison after being found guilty of criminal sexual conduct and possession of child pornography in Michigan, where more than 100 victims recounted stories of abuse during court hearings.
The most recent charges came after five former gymnasts urged an investigation into the Karolyi ranch, which is located in a secluded area of the Sam Houston National Forest, north of Houston. Numerous Olympians have trained at the facility.
On Friday, prosecutors found no evidence of wrongdoing by the Karolyis, but did charge trainer Debra Van Horn with one count of sexual assault as an “acting as a party” with Nassar. Although a statutes of limitations prevented prosecutors from charging USA Gymnastics officials for neglecting to report abuse to authorities, Walker County assistant district attorney Stephanie Stroud shared a strong statement about the organization’s “total failure” to protect athletes.
“We are bound by the law, but that in no way means there was no wrongdoing at the ranch or within the ranks of USAG,” Stroud said. “It is our belief that there was a total failure by USAG to protect the athletes that were part of their program, and to take appropriate action once they were made aware of Dr. Nassar’s actions.”
It’s unclear if Nassar will face trial in Texas. Last month, Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million to women Nassar abused while working at the university.
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