Thirteen women who say they were sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University team doctor Larry Nassar are asking the FBI for millions.
According to The Washington Post, each of the women is seeking $10 million for the agency’s mishandling of the investigation into the allegations.
Legal filings by Michigan-based attorneys Thursday referenced a report released by the Justice Department’s inspector general, as the Post noted.
The New York Times reported in July 2021 the report “sharply criticized” the agency’s handling of the case.
Jamie White, an attorney for the 13 women, said, “Despite credible reports to the FBI, Nassar continued his reign of terror for almost 17 unnecessary months,” adding, “In large part, Nassar continued to have access to countless girls on almost a daily basis. An unthinkable and unnecessary number of sexual assaults occurred at the hands of Nassar during that period of time.”
Additionally, White explained, “If we can’t report abuse to arguably the most powerful law institution in the world, who can we report it to?”
"If we can't report abuse to arguably the most powerful law institution in the world, who can we report it to?" – Attorney Jamie White of White Law
— The Army of Survivors (@survivorsarmy) April 21, 2022
The Post mentioned White was joined by Grace French, a former dancer and gymnast who was allegedly abused by Nassar, during a media session.
“No one should have been assaulted after the summer of 2015, because the FBI should have done its job. To know that the FBI could have helped to avoid this trauma. It disgusts me. It hurts me,” French said.
"No one should have been assaulted after the summer of 2015, because the FBI should have done its job. To know that the FBI could have helped to avoid this trauma. It disgusts me. It hurts me." – @gracewashere_, survivor & founder of TAOS
— The Army of Survivors (@survivorsarmy) April 21, 2022
White argued this was not a case “involving fake $20 bills or tax cheats.”
He continued, “These are allegations of a serial rapist who was known to the FBI as the Olympic U.S. doctor, with unfettered access to young women.”
During an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2021, FBI Director Christopher Wray apologized to Nassar’s victims.
“I’m deeply and profoundly sorry to each and every one of you,” Wray said.
He added, “I’m sorry for what you and your families have been through. I’m sorry so many people let you down over and over again. And I’m especially sorry there were people at the FBI who had their own chance to stop this monster back in 2015 and failed, and that is inexcusable. It never should have happened, and we’re doing everything in our power to make sure it never happens again.”
In January 2018, Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison.
“I’ve just signed your death warrant,” Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said.
She continued, “I find that you don’t get it, that you’re a danger. That you remain a danger.”