The Justice Department will not charge two former FBI agents who were accused of mishandling sex abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Nassar, who was also a former Michigan State University sports doctor, pleaded guilty in 2017 to sexually abusing hundreds of girls and women, including Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman. Nassar is serving up to 175 years in prison.
The department’s decision — the third time federal prosecutors have decided not to formally charge the two agents — “came after multiple reviews and analyses of evidence.”
- At least 70 athletes were abused after the FBI was first notified about the allegations.
- The two agents were found to have lied to investigators about the matter.
- The decision is “incomprehensible,” according to John Manly, an attorney for many of the victims.
The decision by the Justice Department to not charge the agents comes after 13 women each filed claims against the FBI alleging the agency failed to properly investigate Nassar.
The claims — filed for a combined total of $130 million — allege the FBI’s handling of Nassar was “a law enforcement failure of historic proportions,” according to attorney Jamie White.
Legal Process
In 2018, Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million to 332 girls and women abused by Nassar while he worked at the university.
Roughly 500 abuse victims of Larry Nassar reached a $380 million settlement in December 2021 with USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and their insurers.
