Larry Nassar is a former USA Gymnastics national team doctor who sexually abused hundreds of young female athletes over the course of his career. His shocking abuse of power and betrayal of trust led to one of the biggest sexual abuse scandals in sports history. But when exactly was Nassar sentenced to prison for his heinous crimes?
Overview of Larry Nassar Abuse Scandal
For over 20 years, Larry Nassar worked as a respected sports medicine doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. He treated many of America’s top gymnasts in his role as national team doctor, including Olympic gold medalists like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney.
However, in 2016, allegations began surfacing that Nassar had been sexually abusing young girls under the guise of medical treatment. Over the next two years, hundreds of women came forward to report instances of sexual abuse by Nassar, including numerous star gymnasts.
Nassar initially denied the claims but enough evidence was uncovered through police investigations, victim testimonies, and seized child pornography to conclusively establish Nassar as a serial sexual predator who abused his position as a doctor to prey upon vulnerable young athletes.
The scandal rocked the gymnastics world and led to intense scrutiny of USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University for failing to stop Nassar’s abuse sooner despite warning signs. It triggered numerous lawsuits, resignations, and policy changes within these organizations.
Chronology of Larry Nassar’s Convictions and Sentencing
Given the sheer volume of victims and evidence against him, Larry Nassar was convicted in three separate criminal trials between 2017-2018. Here is a timeline of when he was sentenced to prison on both state and federal charges:
- December 7, 2017 – Nassar is sentenced to 60 years in federal prison on three charges of possessing child pornography. FBI agents had discovered over 37,000 illegal pornographic images on Nassar’s property in 2016, further evidence of his predatory behavior.
- January 24, 2018 – In Michigan state court, Nassar is sentenced to 40 to 175 years on seven counts of criminal sexual conduct after 156 victims issue powerful impact statements at his sentencing hearing. The presiding judge declares that Nassar “should never again have access to children.”
- February 5, 2018 – Nassar receives an additional 40 to 125 years in state prison after pleading guilty to three more counts of criminal sexual conduct in Eaton County, Michigan. His three sentences are ordered to be served consecutively, virtually guaranteeing he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
In total, Nassar was sentenced to over 100 years in federal prison on child pornography charges and up to 360 years in state prison on 10 separate counts of criminal sexual misconduct.
At 55 years old at the time of his convictions, Nassar will surely die in prison barring any successful appeal. His sentencing represents long-delayed justice for the hundreds of girls and women he abused over more than two decades as a doctor.
Notable Details on Nassar’s Prison Sentences
Here are some other key details surrounding Larry Nassar’s multiple prison sentences:
- Nassar is currently serving his federal sentence at United States Penitentiary, Coleman II, a high security federal prison in central Florida. His earliest possible release date is March 23, 2069 when he would be 105 years old.
- In January 2021, the Michigan Attorney General’s office announced that it will not pursue additional charges against Nassar after determining the nearly 360 years in state prison already ensures he will die incarcerated. Over 650 women had come forward with accusations against him.
- During his 2018 sentencing hearing in Ingham County, 156 of Nassar’s victims were allowed to issue victim impact statements directly to him in court. These powerful statements helped expose the full extent of trauma he inflicted and contributed to the judge’s decision to impose the maximum possible sentence.
- In addition to his criminal punishments, Nassar has also been sued in civil court by over 500 women for sexual abuse. In July 2021, he was ordered by a federal bankruptcy judge to begin paying $300,000 to a trust fund for his victims as part of a $800 million civil settlement.
- While in federal prison, Nassar was attacked by fellow inmates in May 2018 after details of his crimes were made public. He was briefly moved to another facility for his safety but later returned to the original prison.
Larry Nassar’s decades-long pattern of sexual abuse forever damaged the lives of hundreds of girls and women. His sentencing to effective life imprisonment, though delayed, finally delivered justice to his many victims and survivors.
When will Larry Nassar be released from prison?
Given the length of his multiple federal and state prison sentences, Larry Nassar will almost certainly die in prison barring a successful appeal or other unforeseen circumstances. His earliest possible release is in 2069 when he would be 105 years old.
What prisons is Nassar currently incarcerated at?
Nassar is serving his 60-year federal sentence for child pornography at United States Penitentiary, Coleman II in central Florida. He has not yet been relocated to begin serving his consecutive state sentences in Michigan prisons.
How many total years in prison was Nassar sentenced to?
Across his three criminal cases, Larry Nassar received cumulative prison sentences totaling up to 360 years on 10 state charges and 60 years on federal child pornography charges. His sentences are consecutive, meaning they add up to 420 years maximum.
Who sentenced Nassar to prison?
Nassar was sentenced by three different judges: Judge Janet Neff sentenced him to 60 years in federal prison; Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced him to 40-175 years in Ingham County Court; and Judge Janice Cunningham sentenced him to 40-125 years in Eaton County Court.
Did Nassar plead guilty or maintain innocence?
Though he initially denied accusations, the overwhelming evidence eventually led Nassar to plead guilty to a total of 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct in two Michigan courts as part of plea deals. He also pleaded guilty to the federal child pornography charges.
How many women accused Nassar of abuse?
By the time of Nassar’s sentencing, over 150 women had provided victim impact statements about his abuse in court. In total, over 650 women have come forward accusing Nassar of sexually assaulting them over more than two decades.
Table of Larry Nassar’s Sexual Abuse Criminal Cases
| Date | Charge | Sentence | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2017 | 3 counts of possession of child pornography | 60 years in federal prison | Western District of Michigan |
| January 24, 2018 | 7 counts of criminal sexual conduct | 40-175 years in state prison | Ingham County Court, Michigan |
| February 5, 2018 | 3 counts of criminal sexual conduct | 40-125 years in state prison | Eaton County Court, Michigan |
Conclusion
The sentencing of Larry Nassar to life in prison with no chance of parole finally marks the end of a tragic chapter for the hundreds of young athletes he exploited. Though the damage he inflicted is permanent, his many survivors can find some comfort in knowing he will never again be able to harm others.
Nassar’s case serves as a warning about the dire consequences facing sexual predators, especially those in positions of power and access like doctors. It has also prompted a larger reckoning in the gymnastics world about the need for accountability and protections for athletes to prevent such nightmarish abuse in the future.
While the details surrounding Larry Nassar’s crimes and prison sentences are disturbing, bringing these facts to light helps acknowledge the suffering of his victims. Their incredible courage in coming forward stopped a serial predator and led to some form of justice, even if long overdue. The women who survived Nassar’s abuse deserve recognition and respect for their bravery in speaking out and reclaiming their stories.