(WXYZ) — A judge has dismissed criminal charges against former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon arising from the Larry Nassar sexual assault scandal.
Simon was ordered to trial last year on charges that she lied to police about her knowledge of a sexual misconduct complaint against Nassar. Nassar was a campus doctor and now is serving decades in prison.
But Eaton County Judge John Maurer dismissed the case Wednesday, saying the evidence wasn't sufficient.
Simon was charged with two felony counts of lying to a peace officer in a violent crime investigation and two misdemeanor counts of lying to a peace officer.
Simon's attorney released the following statement after the ruling:
We are extremely pleased with the Court’s ruling today dismissing all of the criminal charges against Lou Anna Simon. The Court’s decision confirms that the charges against Lou Anna Simon should never have been brought. In its 24-page opinion, the Court carefully considered the evidence developed over the course of seven days of testimony and concluded that the case against her was built on nothing more than speculation and conjecture, and that the evidence was wholly inadequate to prove that any crime had been committed by Dr. Simon.
The Court’s ruling completely vindicates Dr. Simon and confirms what we have been saying from the day these charges were brought, namely, that there was not a shred of credible evidence to support these charges.
Of course, nothing in the Court’s ruling exonerates Larry Nasser or his horrific conduct.
We are hopeful that today’s dismissal will restore focus and resources onto meaningful and ongoing support of his survivors and the other victims of sexual assault.
