Larry Nassar, the disgraced sports doctor convicted of sexually abusing female gymnasts, was involved in a violent altercation at a federal prison in Florida.
Reports confirm that Nassar was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the United States Penitentiary Coleman.
The attack resulted in injuries to Nassar’s neck, chest, and back, and he also suffered a collapsed lung.
He is currently in stable condition, according to Joe Rojas, president of Local 506, the union representing prison employees.
The Bureau of Prisons acknowledged the assault in a statement but refrained from disclosing Nassar’s name due to privacy concerns. The statement confirmed that an inmate was assaulted on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the United States Penitentiary Coleman II in Sumterville, Florida.
The Latest News from South Florida
Read more articles about South Florida from Caribbean National Weekly
Reports are that prison staff immediately initiated life-saving measures and called for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Nassar was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation. The incident prompted the FBI to be notified, and an internal investigation has been launched.
Larry Nassar’s conviction stemmed from his admission of sexually assaulting athletes during his tenure at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, where he worked with aspiring Olympians.
In addition, Nassar pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
FBI’s mishandling of Nassar’s sexual abuse allegations
The revelations of Nassar’s abuse prompted more than 100 women, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, to collectively seek over $1 billion from the federal government, citing the FBI’s failure to act on allegations against Nassar when they came to light in 2015.
It took more than a year for his arrest to occur after Michigan State University police intervened in 2016.
The Justice Department’s inspector general conducted an investigation into the FBI’s handling of the sexual abuse allegations against Nassar. In July 2021, the inspector general’s report highlighted “fundamental” errors and a lack of seriousness in the FBI’s investigation.
Several victims disclosed that they had reported the abuse to adults, including coaches and trainers, but their pleas went unreported.
The FBI’s delayed response allowed Nassar to continue his abuse, with at least 40 girls and women reporting molestation during the period when the FBI was already aware of other allegations against him. USA Gymnastics officials even reached out to FBI representatives in Los Angeles after months of inactivity from agents in Indianapolis. The FBI later admitted to conduct that was “inexcusable and a discredit” to their agency.
Michigan State University, accused of missing numerous opportunities to stop Nassar, agreed to pay $500 million to over 300 women and girls who fell victim to his abuse.
Additionally, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached a settlement of $380 million. In June 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court denied Nassar’s final appeal, upholding his 40-year sentence. His attorneys argued that he was treated unfairly in 2018, citing vengeful remarks made by the judge, Rosemarie Aquilina, who referred to Nassar as a “monster” who would “wither” in prison.
Staffing shortages and challenges in the federal Bureau of Prisons
While Nassar’s attack at the federal prison in Florida has garnered attention, it has also shed light on the significant staffing shortages within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
A 2021 Associated Press investigation revealed that nearly one third of federal correctional officer positions nationwide were vacant, leading to the use of non-security personnel to oversee inmates. These staffing shortages have hampered emergency response efforts in various prisons, including instances of suicide.
