In a landmark decision, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has agreed to a $138.7 million settlement to resolve 139 tort claims. These claims criticize the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its inadequate response to the extensive sexual abuse perpetrated by former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar. This resolution was publicized in a recent announcement on Wednesday.
DOJ Unveils $139M Deal For Larry Nassar Victims : A Prolonged Period of Abuse
Spanning two decades, the abuse finally came to an end in 2016 with the arrest of Nassar by Michigan authorities. He was charged with exploiting hundreds of athletes under the pretense of providing medical care. This settlement specifically addresses the allegations against the United States concerning the FBI’s failure to effectively investigate Nassar’s actions.
Critical Report and DOJ’s Response
The settlement follows the release of a July 2021 report from the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General. This report was sharply critical of the FBI’s handling of the Nassar investigation, highlighting significant shortcomings in the bureau’s approach.
