The Justice Department on Thursday stated it could not convey fees towards two former FBI agents accused of failing to correctly examine USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar after a “careful re-review” of proof.
The company stated in a news launch that it stands by a earlier choice towards pursuing a felony case for Michael Langeman and his now-retired boss W. Jay Abbott, the agent in charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis area workplace.
“This decision comes after multiple reviews and analyses of evidence gathered in the investigation of the former agents, and reflects the recommendation of experienced prosecutors,” the Justice Department stated. “This does not in any way reflect a view that the investigation of Nassar was handled as it should have been, nor in any way reflect approval or disregard of the conduct of the former agents.”
The lead lawyer representing victims in the Nassar case, John Manly, responded by blasting the Justice Department and Attorney General Merrick Garland for what he known as a “complete failure” to charge the agents who “violated their oaths of office and colluded in the cover up of the worst sexual assault scandal in the history of sports.”
The choice additionally sparked bipartisan outrage on Capitol Hill.
“This decision is infuriating. FBI agents who knew of Larry Nassar’s abuse, did nothing, and then lied about it will face no legal consequences for their actions,” Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jerry Moran of Kansas said in a joint statement.
“Our frustrations are compounded by the fact that the Department has provided no public explanation for this decision,” they added. “As we have noted before, the Justice Manual authorizes a case-closing letter explaining the Department’s decision-making in similar situations, especially where law enforcement officers are accused of misconduct or criminal behavior. This case certainly qualifies for such treatment.”
The Justice Department’s criminal division initiated a fresh review of the agents in October, just months after the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General found the pair had failed to address claims by gymnasts that they had been sexually abused by Nassar “with the urgency that the allegations required.”
The report further suggested that the two agents lied to investigators to “make it seem that that they had been diligent in responding to the sexual abuse allegations.”
The Justice Department’s initial decision not to prosecute the agents prompted the re-review.
Nassar pleaded guilty in 2018 to abusing 10 of the more than 265 patients who came forward to say they had been molested. He is serving up to 175 years in prison.