Larry Nassar Indicted on Federal Child Porn Charges

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — A federal grand jury has indicted former Olympic gymnastics doctor Lawrence Gerard Nassar on federal child pornography charges, unearthing a dark digital trail that spans over a decade. The indictment alleges Nassar received and attempted to receive child pornography in 2004, and possessed thousands of illicit images between February 2003 and September 2016. The charges, brought in the Western District of Michigan, expose a hidden life of exploitation beneath his public role as a trusted physician for elite female athletes.

If convicted on both counts, Nassar faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and up to 40 years behind bars, plus potential lifetime supervised release. The evidence, gathered through digital forensics and interagency collaboration, paints a damning picture of systematic abuse and concealment. Authorities stress the charges are not tied to his clinical practice but reflect a broader pattern of predatory behavior captured in electronic form.

Nassar appeared in federal court on Friday, December 16, 2016, to hear the charges read. No plea was entered at that time. A hearing to determine whether he will be granted bond pending trial is scheduled but has not yet occurred. Federal prosecutors argue Nassar poses a flight risk and danger to the community, given the nature of the material and ongoing investigations.

The case emerged from a joint probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Michigan State University Police Department. It is now part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative targeting online child exploitation. The nationwide program combines federal, state, and local law enforcement to track down offenders, rescue victims, and prosecute abusers across jurisdictional lines.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about additional crimes committed by Nassar—especially outside Michigan or abroad—to contact the Detroit FBI Office at (313) 965-2323. For reports related to alleged sexual assaults within Michigan, the public is directed to Michigan State University Police at 844-99-MSUPD (67873). Authorities believe more victims may come forward as the investigation expands.

The charges against Lawrence Gerard Nassar are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Anyone with concerns about child exploitation should report them immediately to law enforcement.