$138.7 Million Settlement Reached in FBI Mishandling of Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Allegations

Title: Justice Department Settles $138.7 Million with Larry Nassar Victims

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Justice Department announced a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual assault against former sports doctor Larry Nassar. This critical time gap allowed Nassar to continue preying on victims before his arrest.

Larry Nassar, who worked at Michigan State University and served as a team doctor at USA Gymnastics, is currently serving decades in prison for assaulting female athletes, including Olympic gymnasts. The settlement, combined with others, brings the total compensation set aside for Nassar’s victims to $1 billion.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized that Nassar’s betrayal of trust should have been taken seriously from the outset. The Justice Department acknowledged its failure to intervene despite FBI agents having knowledge of the allegations for over a year.

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed contrition for the agency’s inaction, particularly in 2015 when they had the opportunity to stop Nassar. The survivors, including Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, received apologies for the repeated letdowns.

Following a search in 2016 that uncovered child sex abuse images, federal charges were brought against Nassar. The Michigan attorney general’s office handled the assault charges, leading to a high-profile sentencing hearing with gripping testimonies.

Rachael Denhollander, who was the first to publicly accuse Nassar, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited accountability. Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million, while USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million.

Attorney Mick Grewal, representing numerous claimants, highlighted the significance of the $1 billion settlements as a response to the travesty that occurred. Retired federal judge Gregory Sleet mediated the federal claims, emphasizing the victims’ relentless efforts for justice.

The settlement marks a significant step towards closure for Nassar’s victims, including many celebrated athletes. The case sheds light on the need for accountability and justice in cases of sexual abuse. Associated Press reporters contributed to this comprehensive report.

For more updates on the Larry Nassar cases, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/larry-nassar.