Larry Nassar and former USA Gymnastics trainer indicted for alleged sexual abuse at Karolyi Ranch in Texas
06/30/2018 4:43 pm PDT
via WXYZ
TEXAS -- (WXYZ) -- Larry Nassar, the former team doctor for USA Gymnastics, and former USA Gymnastics trainer Deborah Van Horn were indicted in Texas Friday on charges of sexual assault of a child at the Karolyi Ranch, where for decades numerous Olympians have trained.
Walker County prosecutors' did not file any charges against training center owners and famed gymnastic coaches Martha and Bela Karolyi -- a decision blasted by a lawyer representing gymnasts sexually abused by Nassar.
"Placing all of the blame on USAG and none on the Karolyis is a whitewash," attorney John Manly said in a statement sent to CNN.
Nassar faces six counts of sexual assault of a child, each a second-degree felony, and Van Horn faces one count of sexual assault of a child in the second degree, prosecutors said at a Friday news conference.
One of Nassar's victims in this case is the same victim that Van Horn is charged with assaulting, officials said at a news conference.
Walker County prosecutors said Van Horn's charges stem from "acting as a party." She is not in custody at this time but her attorney has been notified, they said.
CNN is seeking comments from lawyers for Nassar and Van Horn.
Nassar is is already serving 40 to 175 years in Michigan for sexually abusing women and girls under the guise of performing medical treatment.
DA: Nassar didn't work for Karolyis
Walker County Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Stroud said said Friday that the Karolyis were interviewed at length and continue to cooperate with authorities. The couple has trained numerous Olympians over the decades at their facility outside Houston.
"We do not believe there is any corroborative evidence with regard to Martha or Bela Karolyi that they did anything wrong," Stroud said.
She noted that Nassar worked for USAG, which leased the ranch from the Karolyis. The continuing investigation focuses on USA Gymnastics, the prosecutors said.
"It is our belief that there was a total failure by USAG to protect the athletes that were part of their program," Stroud said.
"The Karolyi Ranch now has been painted with a brush that will not be allowed to be forgotten," Walker County District Attorney David Weeks said. "And Nassar did not work for them. People who had control over him failed. Simple as that. We acted when we got the information, but it was a long time coming."