Texas governor orders investigation of abuse claims at USA Gymnastics facility

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Tuesday directed state authorities to investigate the allegations that former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar abused athletes at the Karolyi Ranch training facility in Huntsville. 

“The public statements made by athletes who previously trained at the Karolyi Ranch are gut-wrenching. Those athletes, as well as all Texans, deserve to know that no stone is left unturned to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly vetted and the enablers of any such misconduct are brought to justice,” Abbott said in a statement. 

Abbott noted that the Walker County Sheriff’s Office has already been investigating allegations of abuse at the ranch. He directed the Texas Rangers to join the investigation because the claims against Nassar are spread across multiple jurisdictions and states.

{mosads}Nassar was sentenced last week to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 150 young female athletes. A total of 156 victims testified that they sought treatment from Nassar for sports injuries and were sexually assaulted.

USA Gymnastics announced earlier this month that it would relocate its training facilities from Karolyi Ranch after several gymnasts testified that Nassar molested them there.

The entire USA Gymnastics board of directors resigned last week following the scandal.

Multiple Michigan State University officials also resigned after multiple students testified that Nassar abused them while he worked at the school as a doctor.