U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) not to prosecute the FBI Special Agents involved in the Larry Nassar investigation. This follows the DOJ Office of Inspector General report that these agents were found to be derelict in their duty by failing to investigate the sexual abuse claims of the Olympic athletes.

“This decision is egregious and severely calls into question the Department’s judgment. I am particularly concerned this lack of accountability will further erode confidence in law enforcement among victims of sexual abuse, making it less likely abuse will be reported in the future,” Wicker wrote. “The right of Olympic athletes to compete and train in an environment free from abuse of any kind is of the utmost importance. In this instance, young women, mostly minors, were sexually abused by an individual entrusted with their care and well-being.”

It was announced today that more than 90 athletes who were abused by the former USA Gymnastics doctor will file lawsuits against the FBI for the mishandling of their cases, collectively seeking over $1 billion. Claimants include Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, and Aly Raisman, who were witnesses at the Senate Judiciary Hearing in 2021, “Dereliction of Duty”.

Read the letter here.