Ex-USA Gymnastics Doc Denies Abuse Charges

Cops say there have been 50 more complaints
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 23, 2016 12:25 AM CST
Ex-USA Gymnastics Doc Denies Abuse Charges
In this July 15, 2008, photo, Dr. Larry Nassar works on the computer after seeing a patient in Michigan.   (Becky Shink)

A former USA Gymnastics doctor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in his home with a girl under 13, charges that Michigan's attorney general said are the "tip of the iceberg" as authorities investigate roughly 50 complaints, the AP reports. Larry Nassar, who was arrested Monday while running an errand at a Lansing-area tire store, was arraigned by video from jail. He was released after 10% of a $1 million bond was paid, more than two months after two gymnasts—including a member of the 2000 US women's Olympic team—accused him of sexual abuse during medical treatments.

Michigan State University police chief James Dunlap says his department has received roughly 50 complaints. "We're dealing with decades of effort to go back and identify witnesses and to compile those for submission to the attorney general's office," he says. Ingham County 55th District Court Magistrate Mark Blumer ordered Nassar to wear an electronic tether and to surrender his passport. He also was prohibited from being present with anyone under 18, including his children, unless another adult is there. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 15. Nassar, who could face life imprisonment if he's convicted, has denied wrongdoing. (More gymnastics stories.)

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