Feds Arrest Ex-MSU Gymnastics Doc on Child Porn Charges

The former Michigan State University doctor implicated in a far-reaching investigation of sexual abuse by USA Gymnastics officials and already facing sexual abuse charges in Michigan was arrested Friday by federal agents on federal pornography charges, according to media reports.

Nassar was charged with possession of child pornography and receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography for alleged acts between 2003 and 2016, according to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids Friday.

He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service, according to federal court records.

Nassar had one or more computer disks that contained thousands of images of child pornography, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Earlier this fall, NBC News reported that USA Gymnastics reported Nassar to the FBI after learning of concerns from athletes who said they had been sexually assaulted during medical examinations.

Last month, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed multiple first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges against Nassar, saying at the time it was “the tip of the iceberg.” In that case, Nassar is accused of the ongoing sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13 in his home in Holt from 1998-2005. In all, Michigan State University police and prosecutors say they have taken some 50 reports from women and girls accusing Nassar of sexually abusing them, with some of the reports dating back decades.

Previously Reported by Patch

• Former Olympic Gymnasts Name MSU Doctor in Sex Abuse Complaints
• MSU Fires Doctor Accused in Olympic Gymnast Sex Abuse Scandal
• Ex-MSU Doctor in Olympic Sexual Abuse Scandal Charged
• 13 Women, Girls to Sue MSU Over Doc’s Alleged Assaults

Nassar, who was cleared in a 2014 after a then-recent MSU graduate accused him of sexual abuse during an examination for hip pain, was fired by the university in September for not living up to conditions put in place at the time. He was relieved of his clinical responsibilities the month prior.

Nassar, who was a gymnastics team physician through four Olympic Games, is among those mentioned in a nationwide scandal surrounding USA Gymnastics’ handling of sexual abuse allegations, first reported by the Indianapolis Star.

Photo via Michigan State University