Former USA Olympic gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, who has admitted to sexually assaulting minors, will likely serve the rest of his life behind bars over child pornography charges.
The 54-year-old was sentenced on Thursday to 60 years in federal prison in one of three criminal cases. During sentencing, US district judge Janet Neff declared Nassar “should never again have access to children,” the Guardian reports.
The physician—who also worked as a Michigan State University instructor—has admitted to molesting girls with his hands while they were present for treatment for hip and back pain.
In addition to the child porn charges, Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in November and is awaiting sentencing in January, CNN reports.
Over 100 women who have accused Nassar of sexual misconduct, including American gymnasts Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas, who were part of the gold medal-winning “Fierce Five” team at the 2012 Olympics.
McKayla Maroney claims the disgraced doctor abused her for six years. In testimony letters made public, she and her mother have described the horrific impact of Nassar’s alleged abuse.
“I … learned a few weeks ago from my daughter that at the world championships in Tokyo, (Nassar) drugged her, made her lay nude on a treatment table, straddled her and digitally penetrated her while rubbing his erect penis against her. She was only 15-years-old. She said to me, ‘Mum I thought I was going to die,”’ mother Erin Maroney wrote.
“This experience has shattered McKayla.
“She has transformed from a bubbly, positive, loving, world class athlete into a young adult who was deeply depressed, at times suicidal. At times, I was unsure whether I would open her bedroom door and find her dead.”
Aly Raisman has also written a heartbreaking letter about her experience as a “survivor”.
“Larry abused his power and the trust I and so many others placed in him, and I am not sure I will ever come to terms with how horribly he manipulated and violated me,” Raisman said.
“Shame on all those who actively protected Larry and shame on all those who looked the other way. Those who looked the other way are just as guilty.
“And shame on you, Larry, you are the worst example of humanity.”
She added: “Maybe by speaking out, by sharing my story and the way my daily life continues to be impacted by Larry’s depraved actions, I can help other survivors feel less alone, less isolated, and encourage them to speak up and to get help.”
You can Raisman’s letter in full read here.
If you or someone you know needs support, help can be found at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
