On Jan. 24, Larry Nassar was sentenced for molesting U.S.A olympic athletes. The trial took place in Michigan under the judgement of Rosemarie Aquilina.
“I’ve signed your death warrant,” was Aqualinia’s response after settling the case.
Nassar was involved with Michigan State University, USA olympic athletes, and also a private gymnastics club for years. At Least 65 victims confronted Nassar during the last three days of the hearing. Over 160 women testified against Nassar, all in accounts of molestation, abuse, and sexual harassment.
Nassar pleaded guilty to three counts of first degree criminal sexual misconduct towards girls under the terms of “medical treatment.” The victims consisted of the ages 13, 15, and 16, all under-minors.
Along with crimes of assault and molestation, Nassar also had a count of under-minor pornographic crimes. The prosecutor, during most of the trial did not show his face, sitting mostly with his head down.
According to BBC News, Nassar responded after the trial with “your words these past couple of days, have a significant emotional effect on myself and have shaken me to the core.”
“I understand and acknowledge that it pales in comparison to the pain, trauma, and emotions that you all are feeling. It’s impossible to convey the depth and breadth of how sorry I am to each and everyone involved,” he also included, according to CNN.
In an earlier proceeding, Nassar denied several accounts and did not acknowledge any form of wrongdoing on the subject.
Judge Janice Cunningham spoke out soon after the apology.
“We have over 265 identified victims. I am not convinced that you truly understand that what you did was wrong and the devastating impact you’ve had on the victims, family and friends,” Cunningham stated, according to CNN.
Cunningham showed no form of acceptance in his apology. Instead, additional time was placed onto his sentencing due to acts of initial “denial” earlier in the proceedings.
Jessica Thomashow, 17, was the first to testify.
“He first molested me when I was 9. Nassar preyed on us for his own pleasure,” Thomashow stated, according to BBC.
She also claimed his acts to be “evil.”
Mc-Kayla Maroney, an olympic gymnast, testified that the USOC covered up evidence and files of Nassar’s misconduct. Gymnasts including Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas were also individuals that were included in the victimization of the prosecutor.
Every director from the Board of USA Gymnastics resigned in the midst of the issue. Around 140 victims are suing the prosecutor, along with USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.
Through this misconduct, it has brought more awareness to sexual assault and abuse in the sports industry. Being that the counts were guided through ideas of “medical treatment and care,” it has shaken athletes and athletic organizations. Protests and investigations toward USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University have also continued to take place.