Larry Nassar arraigned on new sex assault charges
MASON - Former Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar was formally arraigned Thursday on 22 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and 14 lesser included alternative charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Ingham County Magistrate Mark Blumer spent about 15 minutes reading each of the counts aloud during a hearing in 55th District Court Thursday morning.
Nassar, wearing an orange jumpsuit, carried a manila envelope and Bible into the courtroom. He didn't speak, other than to confirm his identity and location to Blumer at the start of the hearing.
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A pre-exam hearing is scheduled for March 2, although Blumer said there is "overwhelming discovery" in the case and he would be "stunned if that date is held."
Nassar is being held by federal authorities without bond on other charges, but Blumer denied bond on the new charges, noting that it doesn't "impose an additional burden on (Nassar's) freedom."
Nassar was arraigned Thursday afternoon in Eaton County. District Court Judge Julie O'Neill waived the reading of the charges at a hearing in Charlotte. O'Neill also denied bond. Nassar appeared via video link from the Ingham County Jail, and politely answered questions from the judge about whether he understood the proceedings.
A probable cause hearing was set for March 2.
All told, Nassar faces 25 sexual assault charges in state courts and three child pornography charges in federal court. Last week, a judge ruled that there was enough evidence for Nassar to stand trial on the three initial sexual assault charges.
The charges relate to nine accusers, some of whom are now adults. According to court records, the victims say they were sexually assaulted during medical appointments. All nine said Nassar's treatments included digital vaginal or anal penetration without consent.
More than half the new charges directly relate to his work as a doctor at Michigan State University's Sports Medicine practice and the rest are tied to his work with a gymnastics club. The previous charges do not relate to Nassar's role as a doctor.
Five counts involved girls who were under the age of 13; the rest involved girls between ages 13 and 16.
Nassar faces up to life in prison if convicted on the state charges and up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the federal charges.
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Matt Newburg, one of Nassar's attorneys, declined to comment after the hearing. Nassar, 53, has previously denied any wrongdoing and said he performed legitimate medical procedures.
Nassar worked for decades with Michigan State University and with USA Gymnastics. The university fired him in September. He left USA Gymastics in fall 2015 with little notice.
Officials said at a press conference Wednesday that more than 80 victims have come forward to accuse Nassar of sexual assault.
Contact Christopher Haxel at 517-377-1261 or chaxel@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisHaxel.