Former USA Gymnastics Doctor Charged With Sexual Abuse In Michigan Posts $1 Million Bond
MASON (WWJ/AP) - A former USA Gymnastics team doctor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in his Michigan home with a girl under 13.
Larry Nassar of Holt in suburban Lansing, who was arrested Monday while running an errand at a local tire store, was arraigned by video from jail. The alleged assaults against the girl occurred between 1998 and 2005, from the age of 6 until she was 12.
Magistrate Mark Blumer, who set bond at $1 million, said the allegations are not related to Nassar's time as a gymnastics doctor.
"Based on the probable cause here, which I have to take into consideration, this constitutes clear predatory behavior on a child," Blumer said. "For that reason, I believe the public danger is enhanced by the facts as the court is so far aware of."
Assistant state attorney general Angela Povilaitis had asked that bond be denied or, in the alternate, that a very high amount be imposed.
"She has come forward bravely to report this and to cooperate and prosecute this case," she said about 'victim A.'
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who is investigating at the request of Michigan State University's campus police, was scheduled to speak about the case at an afternoon news conference.
Nassar, who posted bond Tuesday afternoon, will be prohibited from unsupervised presence with anyone under 18, including his children. He also will wear an electronic tether and must surrender his passport.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for Dec. 15.
The 53-year-old doctor has been under scrutiny since two gymnasts, including a member of the 2000 U.S. women's Olympic team, accused him of sexual abuse during what were supposed to be medical treatments.
During the afternoon press conference it was stated that there are roughly 50 complaints filed against Nassar currently under investigation.
The alleged assaults against 'Victim A' took place between 1998 and 2005, from the age of six through 12. She was not a patient or gymnast in Nassar's care.
Shannon Smith, one of Nassar's lawyers, told reporters that his wife — who was in the courtroom — and "hundreds of people support him 100 percent.
"We have received countless emails and communications from other doctors, physicians, physical therapists, ex-patients, ex-coworkers supporting him," she said.
Another attorney, Matt Newburg, told The Associated Press that it was not uncommon for Nassar to treat patients in his house.
Nassar was fired in September by Michigan State, where he was a faculty member. In October, a former gymnast who was on the national team from 2006 to 2011 filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles, alleging Nassar repeatedly sexually abused her and renowned husband-and-wife coaches Bella and Martha Karolyi turned a blind eye to molestations.
Attorney John Manly, who is representing Jane Doe (Victim A) in the lawsuit, said he has been approached by 10 female athletes treated by Nassar, including gymnasts and athletes from other disciplines, since her lawsuit was filed. Manly said the accusers range in age from their teens to 40 and include former NCAA athletes among others. Manly said he anticipates other cases being filed, predicting that Jane Doe's lawsuit is "certainly not the last."
Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics previously said that it cut ties with Nassar after learning of athlete concerns about him in the summer of 2015.
Nassar faces 16 more abuse complaints at Michigan State University, which date back to 1996. The university said in September that Nassar was investigated in 2014 over another allegation of misconduct, but the school found no violation of its policy.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office called the case complex, saying it is believed to have crossed into multiple jurisdictions in Michigan and possibly across state lines.
Nassar faces up to life in prison if convicted on the charges.
Anyone who may be a victim or who has information regarding this case is asked to contact the Michigan State University Police Department's toll-free tip line at: 844-99-MSUPD.
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