Grassley calls for federal prosecutor to probe botched FBI Nassar investigation

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling for a federal prosecutor to probe the FBI’s botched investigation into disgraced gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

Grassley, who is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement calling on Attorney General Merrick Garland to assign either a federal prosecutor or special counsel to examine the FBI’s mishandling of the case, and to seek prosecutions. 

“Nassar abused hundreds of young athletes while FBI sat on its thumb. DOJ refused to attend the Judiciary Committee hearing this week to face questions,” Grassley said.

“Attorney General Garland should assign a federal prosecutor or special counsel to uncover what the FBI knew and when, as well as to seek prosecutions of those involved in the cover-up. These brave gymnasts and all Nassar survivors deserve accountability, especially from the Justice Department,” he continued.

Grassley’s statement comes two days after the Judiciary panel heard testimony from star U.S. gymnasts Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Maggie Nichols about the FBI’s investigation into sexual assault and harassment in gymnastics.

The hearing came months after the Justice Department’s inspector general released a report finding that FBI agents failed to follow up on allegations against Nassar, and made misleading statements about the investigation.

During the hearing, Raisman called for a “complete and full independent investigation” of the FBI’s interactions with USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Biles further said “we also want to see them at least being federally prosecuted to the fullest extent because they need to be held accountable.” 

During the hearing, FBI Director Christopher Wray said he was “deeply and profoundly sorry” to Nassar’s victims, and said the report was not reflective of the agency’s entire 37,000-member workforce.

Nassar is serving a 100-year prison sentence for various charges related to sexual abuse. The case is regarded as the largest case of sexual abuse in American sports.