Now Playing:
The mother of a young victim of a former sports doctor who sexually assaulted young gymnasts has sharp words for those critical of the role parents played in the abuse. (Jan. 23)
Media: Associated PressLANSING, Mich. (AP) — One of the first athletes to accuse Larry Nassar of sexual assault confronted him Wednesday in a Michigan courtroom where the former sports doctor was due to the sentenced for years of molesting Olympic gymnasts and other young women.
The last of more than 150 victims to offer statements at Nassar's sentencing hearing was a Kentucky lawyer who stepped forward in 2016 after USA Gymnastics was accused of mishandling complaints of sexual assault.
Rachael Denhollander said Nassar groped, fondled and penetrated her with his hands when she was a 15-year-old gymnast in Michigan. Denhollander's statements to Michigan State University police put the criminal investigation in high gear in 2016.
"You have become a man ruled by selfish and perverted desires," she told Nassar, who worked at the university and USA Gymnastics, the sport's governing body, which also trains Olympians.
Nassar faces a minimum prison term of 25 to 40 years when he is sentenced later Wednesday by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina.
Larry Nassar looks at the gallery in the court during the sixth day of his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which is the sport's national governing organization and trains Olympians. (Dale G.Young/Detroit News via AP) less
Larry Nassar looks at the gallery in the court during the sixth day of his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by ... more
Photo: Dale G Young, AP
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina listens to Abigayle Bergeron's victim statement during the sixth day of Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which is the sport's national governing organization and trains Olympians. (Dale G. Young/Detroit News via AP) less
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina listens to Abigayle Bergeron's victim statement during the sixth day of Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually ... more
Photo: Dale G Young, AP
Christina Barba gives her victim impact statement during the sixth day of Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which is the sport's national governing organization and trains Olympians. (Dale G. Young/Detroit News via AP) less
Christina Barba gives her victim impact statement during the sixth day of Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was ... more
Photo: Dale G Young, AP
Former gymnast Isabell Hutchins holds up gifts Larry Nassar gave her as she gives a victim-impact statement Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, during the sixth day of testimony in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former gymnast Isabell Hutchins holds up gifts Larry Nassar gave her as she gives a victim-impact statement Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, during the sixth day of testimony in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
CORRECTS SPELLING OF FIRST NAME TO MATTIE, NOT MADDIE - Former U.S. National Gymnastics team member and world championship silver medalist Mattie Larson addresses Larry Nassar, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
CORRECTS SPELLING OF FIRST NAME TO MATTIE, NOT MADDIE - Former U.S. National Gymnastics team member and world championship silver medalist Mattie Larson addresses Larry Nassar, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham ... more
Photo: MATTHEW DAE SMITH, AP
Emma Ann Miller, 15, speaks Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. Next to her is her mother Leslie. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Emma Ann Miller, 15, speaks Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
FILE- In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, MSU student and former gymnast Christine Harrison gives her victim impact statement during the third day of victim impact statements regarding former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar, who pled guilty to seven counts of sexual assault in Ingham County, and three in Eaton County. (Matthew Dae Smith /Lansing State Journal via AP, File) less
FILE- In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, MSU student and former gymnast Christine Harrison gives her victim impact statement during the third day of victim impact statements regarding former sports medicine ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Former gymnast Clasina Syrovy confronts Larry Nassar Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former gymnast Clasina Syrovy confronts Larry Nassar Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted molesting ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
FILE- In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, high school gymnast Arianna Guerrero shows a credential Larry Nassar gifted her during the third day of victim impact statements in Lansing, Mich. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File) less
FILE- In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, high school gymnast Arianna Guerrero shows a credential Larry Nassar gifted her during the third day of victim impact statements in Lansing, Mich. (Matthew Dae ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Former gymnast Anna Dayton addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former gymnast Anna Dayton addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical ... more
Photo: MATTHEW DAE SMITH, AP
Jillian Swineheart's mother, Ann addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Jillian Swineheart's mother, Ann addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical ... more
Photo: MATTHEW DAE SMITH, AP
Emma Ann Miller, 15, speaks Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. Next to her is her mother Leslie. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Emma Ann Miller, 15, speaks Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Krista Wakeman, right, comforts her mother Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, after Krista addressed Larry Nassar during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on seven sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Krista Wakeman, right, comforts her mother Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, after Krista addressed Larry Nassar during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court. Nassar has ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Former gymnast Bailey Lorencen confronts Larry Nassar, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, the fifth day of victim impact statements in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. Next to her is her mother Leslie. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former gymnast Bailey Lorencen confronts Larry Nassar, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, the fifth day of victim impact statements in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
"I trusted you, you groomed me, you even gave me a nickname, you called me 'guinea pig,'"former Twistars gymnast Kamerin Moore said addressing Larry Nassar Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on seven sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
"I trusted you, you groomed me, you even gave me a nickname, you called me 'guinea pig,'"former Twistars gymnast Kamerin Moore said addressing Larry Nassar Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
"I believe they are just as much a victim as myself ," Whitney Mergens says of her parents and boyfriend, who stand at her side Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court. Nassar has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on seven sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
"I believe they are just as much a victim as myself ," Whitney Mergens says of her parents and boyfriend, who stand at her side Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, during the fifth day of victim impact statements against ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
"My silence ends today," former gymnast Marta Stern says Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be sentenced on sexual assault charges this week. He has admitted molesting athletes during treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He will be sentenced on seven sexual assault charges this week. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
"My silence ends today," former gymnast Marta Stern says Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, the fifth day of victim impact statements against Larry Nassar in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar will be ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Former gymnast Jamie Dantzscher confronts Larry Nassar during a sentencing hearing Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom in Lansing, Mich., during the third day of victim impact statements regarding former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar, 54, faces a minimum sentence of 25 to 40 years in prison for molesting girls at Michigan State University and his home. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former gymnast Jamie Dantzscher confronts Larry Nassar during a sentencing hearing Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom in Lansing, Mich., during the third day of victim ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Current student and former MSU gymnast Lindsey Lemke reacts Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, after speaking in Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom during the third day of victim impact statements regarding former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar. Lemke addressed John Geddert of Twistars, the USAG, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, and Nassar. Nassar, 54, faces a minimum sentence of 25 to 40 years in prison for molesting girls at Michigan State University and his home. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Current student and former MSU gymnast Lindsey Lemke reacts Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, after speaking in Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom during the third day of victim impact statements regarding ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Former family friend to the Nassar family, and babysitter to Nassar's children Kyle Stephens, right, addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, during the first day of the victim impact statements addressing the former sports medicine doctor in Circuit Court Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom in Lansing, Mich. Behind Stephens is her mother, and Asst. Prosecutor Angela Povilaitis, center. Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting females with his hands at his Michigan State University office, his home and a Lansing-area gymnastics club. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Former family friend to the Nassar family, and babysitter to Nassar's children Kyle Stephens, right, addresses Larry Nassar Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, during the first day of the victim impact statements ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Olivia Cowan testifies Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, during the first day of the victim impact statements addressing former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar in Circuit Court Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom in Lansing, Mich. Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting females with his hands at his Michigan State University office, his home and a Lansing-area gymnastics club. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Olivia Cowan testifies Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, during the first day of the victim impact statements addressing former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar in Circuit Court Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom in ... more
Photo: Matthew Dae Smith, AP
Larry Nassar hangs his head as former gymnast Amanda Thomashow gives her victim statement Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Larry Nassar hangs his head as former gymnast Amanda Thomashow gives her victim statement Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting ... more
Photo: MATTHEW DAE SMITH, AP
Larry Nassar is brought into court Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which as the sport's national governing organization trains Olympians. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography. Under a plea bargain, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars in the molestation case. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) less
Larry Nassar is brought into court Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Nassar, 54, has admitted sexually assaulting athletes under the guise of medical treatment when he was employed by Michigan State ... more
Photo: MATTHEW DAE SMITH, AP
The sentence will cap a remarkable seven-day hearing that has given the girls, young women and their parents a chance to confront the doctor in court.
Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to assaulting seven people in the Lansing area, but the sentencing hearing has been open to anyone who said they were a victim. His accusers said he would use his ungloved hands to penetrate them, often without explanation, while they were on a table seeking help for various injuries.
The accusers, many of whom were children, said they trusted Nassar to care for them properly, were in denial about what was happening or were afraid to speak up. He sometimes used a sheet or his body to block the view of any parent in the room.
"I'd been told during my entire gymnastics career to not question authority," a former elite gymnast, Isabell Hutchins, said Tuesday.
The judge is likely to be unsparing in her treatment of Nassar. Aquilina has praised the victims who have appeared in her court since Jan. 16, calling them "sister survivors," while also assuring them that their perpetrator will pay. The women have included Olympians Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney.
"Your words are vital. They are as strong as your martial arts," Aquilina told Christina Barba, who has known Nassar for decades and practices karate. "They will take him down quicker and cleaner than any kick you've got."
Hutchins and Mattie Larson, a former national gymnast, talked about how Nassar won their allegiance with candy, Olympic trinkets and encouraging words while they were under constant scrutiny from their demanding coaches.
Brooke Hylek, a gymnast who plans to compete in college, heaped scorn on Nassar.
"I cannot believe I ever trusted you, and I will never forgive you," she said Tuesday. "I'm happy you will be spending the rest of your life in prison. Enjoy hell by the way."
Emily Morales had a softer message.
"I want you to apologize to me right here," the 18-year-old told Nassar. "I want to forgive you, but I also want to hear you tell me that you regret all the hurting you caused."
He did. She replied with, "Thank you."
Nassar has already been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week on more assault convictions in Eaton County, Michigan.
___
Associated Press Writer Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report.