Nassar, trainer charged; Karolyis cleared

Texas prosecutors filed additional charges in the ongoing Larry Nassar scandal Friday, alleging that the disgraced sports doctor and a former gymnastics trainer molested young athletes at the famed Karolyi Ranch outside of Houston.

Nassar, who is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to numerous charges in Michigan, faces six counts of sexual assault of a child in Walker County, Texas. A grand jury there also indicted former trainer Debbie Van Horn on one count of sexual assault.

The husband-and-wife coaches who operated the national training center were not included in the indictment. The facility has since been closed.

“Bela and Martha Karolyi were interviewed at length,” Asst. Dist. Atty. Stephanie Stroud said. “There is no corroborated evidence of any criminal conduct by Bela or Martha Karolyi.”

Though neither the Karolyis nor any USA Gymnastics executives were charged, Stroud had strong words for people who oversaw training at the ranch.

“It is our belief that there was a total failure by USAG to protect the athletes that were part of their program and to take appropriate action once they were made aware of Dr. Nassar’s actions,” she said. — David Wharton

Utah State football player Jamaal A. Evans was suspended after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman at a party.