US Government Settles for $138.7 Million in Response to FBI Mishandling of Larry Nassar Assault Claims.

The U.S. Justice Department reached a $138.7 million settlement on Tuesday with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling reports of sexual assault by Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. This failure allowed Nassar to continue his abuse unchecked until his eventual arrest.

When combined with other settlements, the total amount set aside for compensating women who were victims of Nassar’s abuse now stands at $1 billion.

Nassar, who worked at Michigan State University and served as a doctor for USA Gymnastics, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes against numerous female athletes, including Olympic gymnasts.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer stated that Nassar had betrayed the trust of those he was supposed to care for and emphasized that the allegations should have been taken seriously from the beginning.

While the settlements cannot erase the harm caused by Nassar, Mizer expressed hope that they would provide some much-needed support for the victims to aid in their healing process.

The Justice Department admitted its failure to intervene despite knowledge of the allegations against Nassar. FBI Director Christopher Wray publicly apologized to survivors, including prominent Olympians like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney.

In 2016, investigators discovered child sexual abuse images linked to Nassar, leading to federal charges. The Michigan attorney general’s office pursued separate assault charges that resulted in a high-profile sentencing hearing with emotional victim testimonies.

Rachael Denhollander, a survivor who was instrumental in exposing Nassar’s abuse, expressed gratitude for the accountability brought forth by the Justice Department, emphasizing that many survivors never see justice or restitution.

Michigan State University, accused of neglecting opportunities to stop Nassar, agreed to a $500 million settlement with over 300 victims. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached a $380 million settlement.

Attorney Mick Grewal, who represented numerous claimants, highlighted the $1 billion in settlements as a response to the tragic events surrounding Nassar’s abuse.