Michigan AG Reviews Sex Abuse Claims Against MSU Gymnastics Doctor
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan's attorney general is investigating allegations of sex abuse involving former USA Gymnastics team physician Dr. Larry Nassar, who is accused of sexually abusing at least two gymnasts.
Bill Schuette's office said Thursday that it was asked by Michigan State University's campus police to review the allegations against Nassar, who had taught at the school and worked in its sports medicine clinic. He was fired last month for not complying with employment requirements.
The Indianapolis Star also reported last month that Nassar faces 16 more abuse complaints at Michigan State, which date back to 1996. The university said last month that Nassar was investigated in 2014 over another allegation of misconduct, but the school found no violation of its policy.
Schuette's office called the case complex, saying it is believed to have crossed into multiple jurisdictions in Michigan and possibly across state lines.
USA Gymnastics has cut ties with Nassar, who doesn't face any charges and denies wrongdoing.
A lawyer for Nassar, Shannon Smith, declined to comment on the attorney general's involvement.
Nassar is accused of sexually groping and fondling an Olympic gymnast during her elite career, according to a lawsuit filed recently in California by the athlete under the name Jane Doe.
Attorney John Manly, who is representing Jane Doe 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."
The second gymnast, Rachael Denhollander of Louisville, Kentucky, told the Indianapolis Star that Nassar sexually abused her in 2000 while she underwent treatment for lower back pain at Michigan State. She said she filed a complaint last month with university police.
Victims of sexual abuse aren't typically identified, but Denhollander is speaking out publicly about thecase.
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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