Title: $138.7 Million Settlement Reached in Nassar Sexual Assault Case

In a major development, the U.S. Justice Department announced a $138.7 million settlement on Tuesday with more than 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual assault against former sports doctor Larry Nassar. The mishandling took place in 2015 and 2016, allowing Nassar to continue preying on victims before his eventual arrest.

This settlement, when combined with other agreements, brings the total amount set aside for compensation to $1 billion. These funds are meant to provide restitution to hundreds of women who have come forward with claims of assault by Nassar under the guise of treatment for sports injuries. Nassar had worked at Michigan State University and served as a team doctor at USA Gymnastics in Indianapolis.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer voiced his condemnation of Nassar, stating that the "allegations should have been taken seriously from the outset." While acknowledging that the settlements cannot erase the harm caused by Nassar, he expressed hope that they would provide critical support to aid in the healing process for the victims.

The Justice Department's acknowledgment of its failure to act promptly is a significant development. It was revealed that FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles were aware of the allegations against Nassar for over a year but took no action, as revealed by an internal investigation. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed remorse and apologized to survivors, including prominent Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, for the agency's failure to prevent Nassar's predatory behavior.

It was in 2016, after a search, that investigators discovered images of child sexual abuse, leading to federal charges being brought against Nassar. Separately, the Michigan Attorney General's office pursued the assault charges that shocked the sports world and culminated in a landmark sentencing hearing featuring emotional testimonies from victims.

Rachael Denhollander, who was the first to publicly detail abuse suffered at the hands of Nassar, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited accountability achieved through the Justice Department's actions. She also recognized that many survivors do not often see such justice or restitution. Michigan State University, accused of missed opportunities to stop Nassar, agreed to pay $500 million to more than 300 women and girls affected, while USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached a $380 million settlement.

Reflecting on the overall settlements totaling $1 billion, attorney Mick Grewal, who represented 44 individuals in claims against the government, called it a "travesty" that highlighted the magnitude of the misconduct. The settlement was mediated by retired federal judge Gregory Sleet.

The road to justice has been a long and arduous one for Nassar's victims, but this settlement marks a significant step in holding those responsible accountable. The survivors' unwavering perseverance and courage in demanding justice have played a crucial role in bringing to light the misconduct of senior FBI officials. The impact and implications of this case will undoubtedly continue to reverberate, ensuring that similar failures are not repeated in the future.

This article was contributed by Associated Press reporters Mike Householder in Detroit, Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky, and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, D.C.