SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Nancy Armour believes the court system served justice with Nassar's sentencing of up to 175 years in prison, however, there are many lessons still needed to be learned from this nightmare of a story. USA TODAY Sports
DETROIT — She called them "sister survivors." She told them to push away nightmares. She thanked them and said their voices were heard. That they were not alone.
In a week's time, Ingham County (Mich.) Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina garnered national attention even as she gave a platform to more than 150 women and girls, allowing them to pour out in detail the sexual abuses they say were perpetrated against them by Larry Nassar, a former sports medicine doctor at Michigan State and USA Gymnastics.
"He's gone," Aquilina told one woman during seven days of victim statements, according to the Lansing (Mich.) State Journal. "Your words replace what he's done to you."
More: Simone Biles to judge who sentenced Nassar: ‘You are my hero’
More: Judge, praised as victim advocate, tells Larry Nassar: It is my honor to sentence you
Nassar's sentencing hearing ended Wednesday with a 40- to 175-year sentence in state prison and harsh words from Aquilina: "I've just signed your death warrant."
After leveling her judgment, Aquilina noted from the bench an extraordinary number of requests from media outlets for interviews and said she would not make any statements until the appellate period is over — and only then with a victim by her side.
“This story is not about me,” she told those in her courtroom and watching on live-stream video. “It never was about me.”
But the judge has received praise nationally as an advocate for victims and her actions in recent days made headlines around the globe.
The New York Times reported she has a reputation for “blunt talk." The Guardian called her a style icon “working hard to right wrongs.”
In Michigan, she has spent years presiding over criminal and civil cases, first elected to Ingham County Circuit Court in 2008.
Aquilina's biography on the court's website ticks off a long list of accomplishments, on top of her years on the bench: professor, first female military lawyer in the Michigan Army National Guard, author of fiction, mother and grandmother.
More: The judge in the Larry Nassar trial: Incredible quotes to victims and their abuser
A 2014 profile in the Washtenaw County Legal News starts: "If you ever think you have too much on your plate, consider a day in the life of Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina."
The piece describes her as an "outspoken, self-sufficient multi-tasker."
In the article, Aquilina is quoted saying she doesn't take no for an answer. She said: "I stand up for people and say, 'We're going to do what's right.' "
Many have applauded Aquilina's approach to Nassar's sentencing, which included allowing people who said they were his victims to recount their ordeals even though Nassar hadn't been charged in their cases. Some of the women thanked her in court.
"I think any time we can give a survivor that wants a chance to speak and tell their truth, we are affording them an opportunity to heal," said Erin Roberts, executive director of Lansing-based End Violent Encounters. "There were also outstanding advocates on site to provide support to them, which is also important because telling your story, sharing your truth is also a vulnerable time."
Though many have commended Aquilina for giving victims a forum to speak, one judge who has known her for years criticized her as showing favoritism.
Ingham County Circuit Judge William Collette said Nassar’s sentencing was “the most violative” sentencing proceeding he can recall. Collette questioned why Aquilina would allow women who are not part of the criminal case to address Nassar in court. He also found it inappropriate for her to tell Nassar, “I just signed your death warrant.”
More: Larry Nassar sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison in sexual assault cases
More: 'How dare you': Women address Larry Nassar at his sentencing hearing
“There has to be some semblance of fairness, no matter how much you hate the person,” Collette said.
“Doing justice is one thing," he said. "It is not a judge’s function to get people healed.”
Aquilina is known to be multidimensional.
She is a mother of five children and an author of crime thrillers, including one recently published. Her agent, Linda Langton, said Aquilina has "a page-turning voice" whose writing is informed by her work as a judge.
Aquilina is also a law professor at Michigan State University College of Law and Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, according to her profile on the court's website. She spent 20 years in the Michigan Army National Guard, according to the profile.
Speaking Wednesday on the Fox News show Outnumbered, Judge Andrew Napolitano said Aquilina is an "American hero."
"Her behavior was nothing short of heroic," he said, "not just for victims, not just for women, but for the entire criminal justice system to do the right thing in a methodical and rational way."
Aquilina has been involved in major cases before.
She was briefly in the spotlight when Detroit’s historic municipal bankruptcy began in July 2013.
Shortly after Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr filed for bankruptcy protection, Aquilina ordered the filing to be withdrawn, saying it violated state law and pension protections in the Michigan Constitution. The judge even ordered that a copy of her ruling be sent to then-President Barack Obama.
Ultimately her order was moot as the case was decided in federal court.
Ingham County Circuit Judge Laura Baird said the attention Aquilina has received in the Nassar case is not by design.
More: Here are some of the most empowering moments from the Larry Nassar victim testimony
More: Michigan State President Lou Anna Simon: 'As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable'
“I don’t think she seeks publicity, but she’s unique enough that she gets publicity,” said Baird. “I think she just did what she thought was right.”
Baird met Aquilina while they were campaigning in the 1990s — Baird was running for state representative and Aquilina for state senate. Baird won and Aquilina lost, but they became friends and eventually both became Ingham County Circuit judges.
Aquilina has a vast amount of energy, much more than the average person, Baird said, and she has an uncanny ability to mentally compartmentalize her responsibilities and focus on one at a time.
While she downplayed Aquilina’s intention to garner any praise, Baird said the voice Aquilina gave to Nassar’s victims will have an enduring effect on other victims of abuse.
“It inspires them to realize that they can be heard,” Baird said. “To help them get through it and realize they’re not alone.”
Follow Gina Kaufman and Joe Guillen on Twitter: @ReporterGina and @joeguillen
SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Nancy Armour believes the court system served justice with Nassar's sentencing of up to 175 years in prison, however, there are many lessons still needed to be learned from this nightmare of a story. USA TODAY Sports
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Larry Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison after pleading guilty to 10 charges of sexual assault. USA TODAY Sports
The last sexual abuse survivor has spoken at the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, a Michigan sports doctor accused of sexually assaulting women and girls, including U.S. Olympians. Nassar faces a minimum prison term of 25 to 40 years. (Jan. 24) AP
Survivors who were abused by a former top sports doctor expressed relief but continued determination following his sentencing on Wednesday. Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison. (Jan. 24) AP
A judge has told a Michigan sports doctor accused of sexually assaulting women and girls, "you do not deserve to walk outside a prison ever again." The remarks came as Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Larry Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison. (Jan. 24) AP
Rachael Denhollander, the first to file criminal charges against Larry Nasser, speaks out about her sexual abuse from the ex-USA Gymnastics doctor. USA TODAY Sports
Larry Nassar addresses the court and his accusers before being sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison. USA TODAY Sports
Watch the video to hear Olympic Gymnast Aly Raismain's thoughts on sexual abuse and coming forward. Time
A Michigan sports doctor has been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts and other young women and girls, including Olympians. (Jan. 24) AP
A former member of the U.S. national gymnastics team describes being sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar and gives an unflattering portrayal of the Karolyi training ranch in Texas. (Jan. 23) AP
Former elite gymnast Mattie Larson testified Tuesday in a Michigan courtroom that she was once desperate enough to avoid Larry Nassar’s abuse that she purposefully injured herself. Time
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) AP
Preston, a therapy dog, provides comfort as victims confront admitted sexual abuser Larry Nassar during his sentencing hearing in Ingham County Circuit Court. Wochit
A 15-year-old girl says Michigan State University is still billing her for medical appointments during which she says sports doctor Larry Nassar sexually assaulted her. He faces prison time of at least 25-40 years for molestation. (January 22) AP
Disgraced former sports doctor Larry Nassar broke down Friday as one of his victims spoke during the fourth day of his sentencing for sexually assaulting young gymnasts, and others, under the guise of medical treatment. (Jan. 19) AP
USA Gymnasts Aly Raisman and Jordyn Weiber addressed their abuser, Larry Nassar, at his sentence hearing. USA TODAY Sports
Olympic Gold Medalist and sexual abuse survivor Aly Raisman hammered USA Gymnastics and the USOC over its handling of the abuse scandal that is culminating in the sentencing of former gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. (Jan. 19) AP
Another Olympic gold medalist, Jordyn Wieber, has come forward to say that she too was sexually assaulted by former sports doctor Larry Nassar. "I was not protected and neither were my teammates," she said. (Jan. 19) AP
A Michigan judge hears from more than a dozen women, including two Olympians, during a third day of gripping statements from those were sexually abused by a former sports doctor. (Jan. 18) AP
How will the sentencing of Larry Nassar impact Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics? Time
WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE: Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney said in a courtroom statement that Michigan State University, the USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee all ignored "red flags" in the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. (Jan. 18) AP
For a second day, gymnasts and other victims of a disgraced former sports doctor stepped forward in a Michigan courtroom Tuesday to recount the sexual abuse and asked the judge for the maximum sentence. (Jan. 17) AP
As more victims came forward in court to describe how disgraced former sports doctor Larry Nassar abused them, the coach of one victim told Nassar "to go to hell," and explained how Nassar violated the trust of so many people. (Jan. 17) AP
Kyle Stephens was the first victim of nearly 100 to speak Tuesday at a sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar. Stephens, whose parents were friends with the now disgraced doctor, said he repeatedly sexually abused her when she was a child. (Jan. 16) AP
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has joined the list of numerous athletes who have accused former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse Time
Former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison on child pornography charges. Time
Michigan sports doctor admits he sexually assaulted female gymnasts and possessed child pornography. Larry Nassar pleaded guilty in a third criminal case, acknowledging that he molested girls who sought treatment for injuries. (Nov. 29) AP
Olympic gymnastics gold medalist McKayla Maroney and her family are seeking the maximum sentence for former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday after being charged with child porn crimes. Time
Over 140 women have accused Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. USA TODAY Sports
Many of the women who accused Larry Nassar of sexual abuse say the former USA Gymnastics doctor's apology during a court hearing was insufficient. AP
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas revealed that she was also abused by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Time
Aly Raisman said she, too, was sexually abused by USA Gymnastics’ longtime team physician Larry Nassar. USA TODAY Sports
Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney released a statement on Twitter claiming that was sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar. USA TODAY Sports
A six-month investigation has found that U.S. Gymnastics needs a 'complete cultural change' following its handling of sexual abuse complaints. USA TODAY Sports
Former USA Gymnastics team physician Dr. Larry Nassar is facing multiple sexual abuse allegations. USA TODAY
A former gymnast testified Friday that she turned to a prominent Michigan sports doctor for treatment of back problems but instead was repeatedly molested as a teenager, assaults that have haunted her for nearly two decades. (May 12) AP
USA TODAY Sports' Rachel Axon describes how USA Swimming asked the USOC for assistance in dealing with issues related to protecting young athletes, six years before USA Swimming was hit with a sex scandal.
A former doctor for the USA Gymnastics team pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault charges Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a young girl in his Michigan home. (Nov. 22) AP
Larry Nassar, a doctor who treated America's Olympic gymnasts, was arrested and charged Monday with criminal sexual conduct against a child. USA TODAY
What's next after Nassar sentencing?
Judge to Larry Nassar: 'I just signed your death warrant'
Last Nassar abuse survivor speaks at hearing
Survivors relieved after ex-doctor’s sentencing
Judge Sentences Nassar from 40 to 175 Years
Watch: Nassar victim Rachael Denhollander speaks out
Larry Nassar addresses court at sentencing
Aly Raisman on sexual abuse
Nassar: Victims' words 'shaken me to my core'
Ex-gymnast: 'Abusers thrived at Karolyi Ranch'
Mattie Larson says she injured herself to avoid Larry Nassar
Mother of Nassar victim: Quit shaming parents
Therapy Dog Providing Comfort at Larry Nassar's Sentencing
Nassar Victim: Michigan State Still Billing Her
Disgraced ex-doctor sobs at sentencing hearing
Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber address Larry Nassar
Raisman Blasts USOC, USA Gymnastics Over Abuse
Olympian Jordyn Wieber describes Nassar abuse
Dozen more victims confront ex-gymnastics doctor
Following Nassar sentencing, USA Gymnastics needs complete overhaul
Olympian: 'Red flags' ignored in Nassar abuse
Ex-doctor's victims ask court for max sentence
Coach tells Nassar to 'go to hell' at sentencing
Sex Abuse Victim Speaks Against Ex-Doctor
Simone Biles accuses Larry Nassar of sexual abuse
Ex-USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sentenced to 60 years in prison
Former Olympic doctor Nassar enters guilty plea
McKayla Maroney:Doc 'deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison'
Ex-USA Gymnastics doctor pleads guilty to sexual assault charges
Victims unhappy with ex-gymnastics doc’s apology
Gabby Douglas says Larry Nassar abused her as well in new statement
Aly Raisman says she was abused by USA Gymnastics doctor
McKayla Maroney says she was sexually abused by ex-Team USA physician
U.S. Gymnastics must reform to protect athletes
16 more women accuse former USA Gymnastics doctor of sexual abuse
Former gymnast testifies doctor assaulted her
USOC did not heed sexual abuse warnings in 2004
Ex-USA gymnastics doctor arraigned on sex charges
Former Olympic gymnastics doctor accused of sex charges