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Larry Nassar: 'I just want healing' after pleading guilty on sex charges

Posted at 11:10 AM, Nov 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-22 11:45:17-05

A sports doctor accused of molesting several girls while working for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexual assault and faces at least 25 years in prison.

Larry Nassar, 54, was charged with molesting seven girls, all but one of whom were gymnasts, mostly under the guise of treatment at his Lansing-area home and a campus clinic.

After entering a guilty plea Wednesday, Nassar addressed the court. 

Read his statement below:

I think this is important that what I’ve done today, to help move a community forward and away from the hurting and let the healing start. That's a couple things that I could do to stop the hurting is this and I think that’s important for all those involved and that I’m so horribly sorry that this was like a match to turn into a forest fire out of control — and I pray the rosary everyday for forgiveness …I want them to heal, I want this community to heal, I have no animosity towards anyone. I just want healing, it’s time. So, I guess that’s the biggest thing: we need to move forward in a sense of growth and healing and I pray that. 

The plea deal in Ingham County calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years. In Michigan, inmates are eligible for parole after serving a minimum sentence.

Separately, Nassar is awaiting sentencing in federal court on child pornography charges.

Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas are among the women who have publicly said they were among Nassar's victims.

The former doctor's sentencing is scheduled for January 12. Victims will be allowed to speak at the sentencing.