A former doctor for Michigan State University who also served as the head doctor at USA gymnastics now faces more than three dozen charges all related to molesting patients in his care. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Larry Nassar was hit with 22 new charges on Wednesday, more than half of which relate to his work at Michigan State University's Sports Medicine practice. The remainder of the charges filed Wednesday stem from his work with a Michigan gymnastics club.
Five of those charges — first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving sexual penetration of a victim under age 13 - carry a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison, though a life sentence can also be imposed.
Nassar already faced 17 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration of a victim between ages 13 and 16. All of those counts carry a life sentence, according to the Lansing State Journal.
Nassar's case has sparked outrage following a report in the Indianapolis Star that said top USA officials waited five weeks before telling the FBI about sexual abuse allegations against Nassar levied by its athletes.
In announcing the new charges, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette didn't hold back. "This guy is disgusting. This guy is despicable. He is a monster."
His office also said, in a press release:
"Dr. Nassar preyed on these young girls, just little girls. Dr. Nassar used his status and authority to engage in horrid sexual assaults under the guise of medical procedures."
Multiple media reports have quoted court documents that allege Nassar used his fingers to penetrate his victims for his own sexual pleasure.
Nassar has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to media reports.
Michigan State released a statement on Wednesday that said:
