Jan. 24, 2018
In a landmark ruling, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced disgraced physician Larry Nassar to up to 175 years in prison, ensuring he will never experience life outside of incarceration again. This sentence comes after Nassar had already received a 60-year federal prison term for child pornography offenses. His latest sentencing addresses the extensive sexual abuse he perpetrated as the team doctor for USA Gymnastics, impacting countless young athletes.
Over the course of seven days, 156 survivors bravely shared their harrowing testimonies, including notable gymnasts like Mia Johnson and Sarah Thompson. Judge Aquilina expressed her gratitude for their courage, stating, “It is my honor and privilege to sentence you. You will never walk outside of a prison again.” Her words served as a powerful reminder of the gravity of Nassar’s crimes.
In her impactful statement, Mia Johnson recounted her experiences, revealing how Nassar exploited his position of trust. “I never thought he was sexually abusing me until I was much older,” she shared. Similarly, Rachael Evans, the first to report Nassar, emphasized the value of every victim, asking, “What is the worth of a young girl? Larry is a predator who has shown no remorse.” Her testimony was particularly poignant as she confronted Nassar directly, asserting, “I can call your actions evil because I understand what goodness is.”
Judge Aquilina commended Evans for her bravery, stating, “You ignited the movement that brought forth all these voices. Your courage has been invaluable.” The judge listened intently as survivors voiced their impact statements, which included powerful testimonies read by friends and family members. Nassar’s fate was sealed with applause from the courtroom as Aquilina concluded the session.
The fallout from Nassar’s actions extends beyond his conviction, as it has prompted significant changes within USA Gymnastics. Many leaders within the organization have resigned, reflecting on their failures to protect the athletes. Mia Johnson used her testimony to criticize the organization, declaring, “It’s rotting from the inside.”
In a tense moment, when Nassar was asked if he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea, he declined. “You are guilty, aren’t you?” Judge Aquilina pressed, to which he did not respond. The week culminated in a powerful declaration from the judge to the survivors, stating, “You are no longer victims; you are survivors.”
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Summary:
Larry Nassar has been sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for decades of sexual abuse against young athletes. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina praised the survivors for their bravery, ensuring that Nassar will never see the outside of a prison again. His sentencing has prompted significant changes within USA Gymnastics, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed such abuses to occur. The courageous testimonies of survivors have transformed them from victims into empowered advocates.