Larry Nassar Settlement: Justice Department Reaches $138.7 Million Civil Settlement
The US Justice Department has reached a $138.7 million civil settlement with hundreds of victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving time in prison for sexually abusing athletes under his care, the agency said on Tuesday, April 23. The settlement resolves claims the FBI botched the initial investigation into Nassar, the Justice Department said.
Background on Larry Nassar Case
Larry Nassar, a former team USA Gymnastics doctor, pleaded guilty in November 2017 to sexual assault charges. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison on charges of possessing child sex abuse material and later to up to 175 years and up to 125 years in two separate Michigan courts for molesting female gymnasts under his care.
Victims’ Response and Settlement Details
US Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney were among the victims who publicly criticized the FBI over its handling of the probe. The settlement resolves 139 separate claims, with the women accusing the FBI of failing to act on evidence received in 2015, allowing Nassar to continue his abuse until he was charged in 2016.
Four lawyers who represented 77 of the victims stated, “We are proud to have achieved a monumental settlement with the US Department of Justice, that not only secures the recovery the survivors deserve but also holds the DOJ and FBI accountable for their failures.”
FBI Errors and Justice Department’s Response
A report by the Justice Department’s internal watchdog in 2021 uncovered widespread errors by the FBI, including failing to promptly interview potential victims and document interviews. The Justice Department decided not to bring criminal charges against agents involved in the probe in 2022, standing by an earlier decision.
While the settlements cannot undo the harm Nassar inflicted, they aim to provide critical support to the victims for their healing process.
