A Michigan sports doctor has been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts and other young women and girls, capping a remarkable seven-day hearing that brought more than 150 victims or their families to court, including Olympians.
They made riveting statements while confronting Larry Nassar in a Lansing, Michigan, courtroom.
He worked at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Nassar on Wednesday. He had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting seven females in the Lansing area between 1998 and 2015, but the hearing was open to all of his accusers.
His accusers said he would molest them while they were on a table seeking help for various injuries.
Nassar also has a 60-year prison sentence for child pornography crimes.
In response to the sentencing, MSU issued the following statement:
Larry Nassar’s sentencing today on state criminal sexual conduct charges represents another important step toward justice. Over the past several days, many here at MSU, including President Simon and trustees, listened to the brave women who came forward to tell their stories at Nassar’s sentencing hearing. Nassar’s behavior was horrific and repugnant, and it is deeply disturbing to know that his crimes were often committed on campus. He will rightfully spend the rest of his life in prison. We are committed to continue supporting those in our community affected by these terrible crimes. The Healing Assistance Fund was created to help survivors access any counseling and mental health services they may need. The thoughts and prayers of the entire MSU community are with these women. --Jason Cody, MSU spokesperson
Earlier, Nassar told his sexual assault victims that "no words" can describe how sorry he is for his crimes.
Nassar turned to the courtroom gallery to make a brief statement before his sentence Wednesday. He says the testimony of more than 150 victims since last week has "shaken me to my core."
He said, "I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days" as many of his accusers openly wept.
Defense attorney Matt Newburg says Nassar's "soul is broken."
