Doc in gymnast rape furor pleads in child porn case
DETROIT — A former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor accused of molesting dozens of female athletes pleaded guilty Tuesday in a separate case that was a slam-dunk for prosecutors: thousands of images of child pornography discovered in his trash.
Dr. Larry Nassar acknowledged that he had dumped computer hard drives and paid $49 to have a laptop’s memory wiped clean last fall to “impede and obstruct” investigators, who were hearing widespread allegations from women and girls that he had sexually assaulted them.
Nassar, 53, pleaded guilty to three charges in federal court in western Michigan, each carrying up to 20 years in prison. Federal sentences for more than one crime typically run at the same time, but it’s possible that U.S. District Judge Janet Neff could order separate, consecutive punishments for Nassar when he is sentenced Nov. 27.
Nassar was a sports doctor at Michigan State who specialized in treating campus gymnasts and others from around the state. He also worked for Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians.
Nassar now is awaiting trial in three cases alleging that he sexually molested a total of nine girls at his campus clinic, home or a gymnastics club in the Lansing area. Eight were gymnasts who were seeking treatment for injuries. He has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney said Nassar intends to proceed to trial.
“The plea was negotiated only to resolve the federal charges,” said Shannon Smith, referring to the child porn case.