‘It Stops Now’: Judge Sentences Ex-Doctor for Sexually Abusing Olympic Gymnasts
Decision to Assault Was ‘Precise’ ‘Calculable’ ‘Despicable’ Judge Says
After seven days of testimony from more than 150 girls and women who say they were sexually abused by ex-doctor Larry Nassar, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced the former top Olympic physician to 40 to 175 years in prison.
“You do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again,” Judge Aquilina said. “I’ve just signed your death warrant.”
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to Larry Nassar: “As much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it is my honor and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.” pic.twitter.com/sBV2vOgPUr
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 24, 2018
“You remain a danger,” she added.
“It stops now,” Judge Aquilina told the women who bravely confronted their abuser. “Speak out like these survivors and become part of the army.”
Judge Aquilina on child sexual abuse: “It stops now. Speak out like these survivors and become part of the army.” https://t.co/KWY1pm3GPO pic.twitter.com/F8o0xBHzgF
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2018
In a stunning moment Judge Aquilina confronted Nassar, asking him, “Would you like to withdraw your plea? Because you are guilty.”
Judge Aquilina: “Would you like to withdraw your plea?â€
Larry Nassar: “No.â€
Judge Aquilina: “Because you are guilty, aren’t you? Are you guilty, sir?†https://t.co/KWY1pm3GPO pic.twitter.com/kMoFv91mD5— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2018
Nassar responded by saying he had already said his piece.
And she continued to confront him.
“You, sir, decided to plea because there was no medical treatment. You did this for your pleasure and your control.”
Judge Aquilina: “You, sir, decided to plea because there was no medical treatment. You did this for your pleasure and your control.” https://t.co/KWY1pm3GPO pic.twitter.com/rhIsMRYK4d
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2018
“168 buckets of water were placed on your so-called match that got out of control,” the judge said, referring to his victims. At one point the judge told them they are no longer victims but survivors.
Judge Aquilina also told the former physician, “I wouldn’t send my dogs to you, sir.”
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to Larry Nassar: “I wouldn’t send my dogs to you, sir.†pic.twitter.com/3nkMVHSCCE
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 24, 2018
Aquilina also chastised Nassar, saying it’s clear that even after hearing all the survivors confront him, he still doesn’t get it.
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