40-125 years for Nassar in final sex abuse sentence

CHARLOTTE, Mich. (WJBK) - A series of sentencings for a former sports doctor wrapped up Monday in Michigan, with the judge handing down a final sentence of 40-125 years for Larry Nassar. His serial sexual abuse of girls and young women has shaken Michigan State University and elite sports associations.

Nassar, 54, received his third and final sentence after listening to dozens of victims for two days last week, and was almost attacked by a man whose three daughters said they were molested.

"Each voice and each story does make a difference," Judge Janice Cunningham said. "Their stories are not redundant, even though many of the descriptions of the grooming by [Nassar] were eerily similar."

She said it was clear to her Nassar was in denial about his behavior, and that he could not be reformed. 

In a brief statement before he was sentenced, Nassar attempted to apologize to his victims.

"It's impossible to convey the breadth and depth of how sorry I am to each and every one," he said.

Nassar pleaded guilty to penetrating girls with ungloved hands when they sought treatment for injuries at Twistars, a gymnastics club that was run by a 2012 U.S. Olympic coach. He worked for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians.

More than 260 women and girls say Nassar sexually abused them under the guise of medical treatment. Some of the women say the abuse occurred decades ago. 

He already is guaranteed to spend life in prison under two other sentences. He was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison in a separate but related case under Judge Aquilina. He also was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes.