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Simone Biles, other gymnasts to testify before Congress about Larry Nassar abuse

Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman will testify Wednesday at a U.S. Senate hearing examining the FBI’s investigation of Larry Nassar, a USA Gymnastics doctor who was convicted of sexually abusing female athletes in his care.

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Collegiate gymnast Maggie Nichols will be joining the three Olympic champions in testifying about their experience with Nassar, who was sentenced in 2018 to up to 175 years in prison for his crimes.

The Senate hearing will be examining the FBI’s investigation into Nassar’s conduct while he was a doctor working for USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for the sport in the U.S.

Nassar has been accused of sexual assault by scores of young women whom he came in contact with during his time with USA Gymnastics.

After the gymnasts testify, a second part of Wednesday’s hearing will include remarks from FBI Director Christopher Wray and the inspector general of the Justice Department, Michael Horowitz.

Horowitz released a 119-page report detailing the “numerous and fundamental errors” of the FBI’s handling of the Nassar case. According to Horowitz, the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office responded inadequately and slowly to the first accusations of sexual misconduct against Nassar.

Among the problems cited by Horowitz, the Indianapolis Field Office:

Failed to formally document a July 28, 2015 meeting with USA Gymnastics during which the FBI first received the allegations against Nassar.

Failed to properly handle and document receipt and review of relevant evidence, i.e., a thumb drive provided by USA Gymnastics President Stephen D. Penny, Jr.

Failed to document until February 2017 an interview of a gymnast that was conducted on Sept. 2, 2015, during which the gymnast alleged sexual assault by Nassar.

Failed to transfer the Nassar allegations to the FBI Lansing Resident Agency, where a venue most likely would have existed for potential federal crimes.

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