Doctor Who Abused American Female Athletes Sentenced to 175 Years in Prison

A court in Michigan on Wednesday sentenced Larry Nassar, the former doctor of the U.S. women's gymnastics team, to prison for 40 to 175 years for over 150 counts of sexual abuse against young female athletes. The case was opened two years ago. On Wednesday, the proceedings continued with the presence of one of the first individuals to accuse Nassar of sexual abuse. In Lansing, Michigan, the latest number of victims of this sports doctor attended the court session and confronted the defendant. One of them, a lawyer from Kentucky, stepped forward in 2016 after a violation of the handling of sexual abuse complaints in the U.S. gymnastics team was announced. Rachel Den Hollander testified in court that when she was a 15-year-old gymnast in Michigan, Nassar sexually abused her. Wednesday's court session marked the end of seven days of indictment hearings and accusations presented by victims, most of whom were girls and young women who attended the session with their parents. Larry Nassar, 54, is accused of sexually abusing seven individuals in the Lansing area, but the court session was open to all who had been his victims. The defendants stated that while they were on the table for treatment of sports injuries, he assaulted them with his bare hands and without any explanation. Many of the victims, who were children, said they trusted their doctor to be doing his job and were unwilling to accept that he was abusing them, which is why they did not speak out. Nassar is accused of sometimes using a curtain to block the view of parents so they would not see what he was doing. At times in the examination room, he used his body as a barrier so they could not see what he was doing. Isabel Hutchins, a former prominent gymnast, said on Tuesday: 'I was told never to question authorities throughout my gymnastics career.' The judge praised the victims who attended the court session, calling them 'survivor sisters.' Judge Aquilina assured them that the defendant would face justice. Among the victims were Olympic champions such as Aly Raisman, Jordan Wieber, and McKayla Maroney. The judge told Christina Barbara, a karate coach who has known Nassar for many years: 'Words are fundamental, and their power is as great as the martial arts you specialize in. These words will bring the defendant down faster and cleaner than any blow you could deliver in karate.' Hutchins and Matt Larson, former members of the national gymnastics team, said that Nassar gained their trust through sweets, fake jewelry, and deceptive words while they were under pressure from their coaches. Brooke Hylick, who intends to participate in collegiate Olympic competitions, addressed Nassar in court on Tuesday, saying: 'I can't believe I trusted you, and I will never forgive you. I'm glad you will spend the rest of your life in prison. By the way, enjoy hell.' Emily Morales, another victim who is 18 years old, said: 'I want you to ask for my forgiveness right here. I want to forgive you, but I also want to hear that you are ashamed of all the harm you have caused.' Nassar apologized to her, and Emily Morales responded: 'Thank you.' Nassar had previously been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography offenses. The results of other charges against him in Eaton County, Michigan, are expected to be announced next week.