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.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer reflected on the gravity of Nassar's actions and the FBI's initial inaction. "For decades, Lawrence Nassar abused his position, betraying the trust of those under his care and medical supervision while skirting accountability," Mizer stated. He emphasized that the allegations should have been taken seriously from the very beginning. "While these settlements won't undo the harm Nassar inflicted, our hope is that they will help give the victims of his crimes some of the critical support they need to continue healing."

DOJ Unveils $139M Deal For Larry Nassar Victims : Looking Forward

This DOJ unveiling of the $139 million deal for Nassar's victims marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging and rectifying the errors in oversight and response to one of the most disturbing scandals in sports history. The settlement not only addresses past failures but also represents a commitment to supporting the survivors in their ongoing journey towards healing.