LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Latest on sexual assault charges against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar (all times local):
5:20 p.m.
Michigan State University says allegations that it covered up a former gymnastics doctor’s criminal sexual misconduct are “simply false” and it is “appalled” by Larry Nassar’s crimes.
USA Gymnastics says it is “very sorry” any athlete was harmed by Nassar.
The institutions issued statements Wednesday after victims and their lawyers criticized their handling of Nassar, who pleaded guilty in a Michigan courtroom to molesting girls under the guise of medical treatment.
The victims and attorneys - who have sued the university, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee - want an independent investigation of officials who work there. The university says its campus and the FBI investigated earlier this year, and the school has “no reason to believe” that any employee other than Nassar committed a crime.
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1:50 p.m.
Athletes who were sexually assaulted by a former gymnastics doctor say Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee failed to stop the abuse and allowed dozens more girls to be molested.
Larry Nassar pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Michigan courtroom. Accusers and their lawyers, who have sued the institutions, spoke at a news conference afterward.
Attorney John Manly criticized an internal probe being conducted at Michigan State and urged the state attorney general to reconsider not expanding his criminal probe to include school officials who allegedly knew of Nassar’s misconduct. He called on the university to release documents showing “who knew what when.”
The Associated Press has left messages seeking comment from MSU, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
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11:10 a.m.
A former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor who has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting seven girls says he is “horribly sorry” and that he prays “for forgiveness every day.”
Dr. Larry Nassar entered his plea Wednesday in a Michigan courtroom. Some of his accusers attended the packed hearing. Some were crying.
Nassar was charged with molesting the girls under the guise of treatment at his home and a campus clinic. All but one was a gymnast.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina told Nassar he used his position of trust “in the most vile way” to abuse children.
A plea deal calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years. But the judge could go higher and set the minimum at 40 years. Sentencing is set for Jan. 12.
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10:30 a.m.
A former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor accused of molesting seven girls has pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct and faces at least 25 years in prison.
Dr. Larry Nassar entered the plea Wednesday in a Michigan courtroom. Some of his accusers attended the packed hearing.
Nassar was charged with molesting the girls under the guise of treatment at his home and a campus clinic. All but one was a gymnast.
A plea deal calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years. But the judge could go higher and set the minimum at 40 years.
Nassar is still awaiting sentencing on child pornography charges. He is also being sued by more than 125 women and girls.
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1:15 a. m.
A person with knowledge of the agreement says a former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor will plead guilty to multiple charges of sexual assault and face at least 25 years in prison.
The person was not authorized to publicly discuss the agreement ahead of a Wednesday court hearing and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Dr. Larry Nassar is charged with molesting seven girls under the guise of treatment at his home and a campus clinic. All but one were gymnasts.
The plea deal calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years. But the judge could go higher and set the minimum at 40 years.
Separately, Nassar is awaiting sentencing for child pornography. He’s also being sued by more than 125 women and girls.
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