Former USA Gymnastics team doctor Lawrence G. “Larry” Nassar pleaded guilty Wednesday in an Ingham County (Mich.) court to seven counts related to accusations that he molested dozens of women and girls in his role not only with USA Gymnastics but also as an athletic department physician at Michigan State University.
As part of a lengthy plea deal, Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to seven felony charges of criminal sexual conduct and now faces a minimum of 25 years in prison.
In her statement during the hearing, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said Nassar would spend a lifetime in prison thinking about what he did, perhaps hinting that she would use her power, under Michigan law, to raise the minimum sentence to 40 years. Under Michigan law, a prisoner isn’t eligible for parole until the minimum is served.
Nassar’s sentencing was set for Jan. 12, and his victims — as many as 125 — will be allowed to speak at the hearing.
As part of a statement before the court, Nassar said (via the Lansing State Journal), “For all those involved, I’m so horribly sorry. … I want them to heal. I want this community to heal.”
Since last year, at least 140 women and girls have filed lawsuits, claiming Nassar sexually abused them. Among those who have made public accusations are Olympic gold medalists Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas.
