Judge Won't Punish Dad Who Charged At Nassar
CHARLOTTE, Mich. (AP) — A judge says there's "no way" she'll punish a father of three victims of Larry Nassar after the dad tried to attack the former sports doctor in a Michigan courtroom.
Two of the Randall Margraves's daughters had just addressed the court, saying they and another sister had been sexually abused by Nassar under the guise of medical treatment.
Margraves apologized Friday, a few hours after he charged toward Nassar during a sentencing hearing in Eaton County, Michigan.
Judge Janice Cunningham says a punishment isn't appropriate based on the crimes committed by Nassar and the anguish felt by families. But she also says it's wrong to "combat assault with assault."
Cunningham could have given Margraves a jail sentence or fine as she considered whether to hold him in contempt of court.
Crying could be heard in the courtroom as Nassar was escorted out after the commotion. Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis told families in the courtroom to "use your words," not violence.
"This is letting him have this power over us," she said. "We cannot behave like this. I understand this is a remarkable situation. But you cannot do this. This is not helping your children. This is not helping your community. This is not helping us."
The incident occurred during the third and final sentencing hearing for Nassar on sexual abuse charges. The charges in this case focus on his work with Twistars, an elite Michigan gymnastics club. The hearing resumed after about 25 minutes.
More than 30 victims have given statements so far.
Nassar must listen to scores of victims before he's sentenced next week for sexual assault. He's admitted molesting young gymnasts. He's already been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison in another county.
During a similar hearing that ended last week, more than 150 girls and women came forward to say Nassar abused them under the guise of medical treatment.
More victims are expected to speak. The proceedings are likely to extend into next week.
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