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Special prosecutor updates investigation into MSU's handling of Nassar

Posted at 6:37 AM, Mar 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-27 13:28:19-04

The special prosecutor appointed to investigate Michigan State University's handling of the Larry Nassar saga provided an update during a press conference on Tuesday morning in Lansing.

William Forsyth was joined by others from the Michigan Attorney General's Office and Michigan State Police.

Forsyth started the press conference by discussing the arrest and charges against former MSU Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine William Strampel.

Forsyth charged Strampel with fourth degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of willful neglect of duty and misconduct in office, a felony.

In January, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette appointed Forsyth as the special prosecutor after opening an investigation into systemic issues with sexual misconduct at Michigan State University that began in 2017. 

"In the days since Nassar's sentencing in Ingham County, 156 victim impact statements later, a full and complete investigation into what happened at MSU from the president's office down is required," Schuette said. "This investigation will be independent, thorough, transparent and prompt.

Forsyth is the retired Kent County prosecutor.

The MSU Board of Trustees did ask Schuette to investigate how the university handled Nassar's case, to which Schuette responded saying he didn't need their advice.

"They should be the last ones providing advice given their conduct throughout this entire episode. Their conduct speaks for themselves," he said.

Forsyth said that in his career, he's never seen anything of this scope in regards to the Nassar case.

"I was shocked, saddened, felt horrible for the victims, outraged by what he had done," he said.