Abuse in US gymnastics: charges are now also against ex

Icon: enlarge

John Geddert (2012)

Photo: Kathy Willens / dpa

John Geddert, the former coach of the gymnastics Olympic champions from the USA, has been charged by the judiciary in the US state of Michigan with, among other things, sexual abuse and human trafficking.

This was announced by the Attorney General's office, headed by Dana Nessel, on Thursday.

The now 63-year-old Geddert was suspended by the US Gymnastics Federation after the scandal surrounding the team doctor Larry Nassar, who has since been convicted, and then retired.

Nessel, who is attorney general and attorney general in the US judicial system, accuses Geddert of human trafficking, forced labor, continuing a criminal organization, sexual abuse and lying to a law enforcement officer in connection with a criminal investigation.

The trainer's lawyer was initially not available to comment on the allegations.

Geddert looked after the victorious US women's team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and ran a gym in Lansing, where the convicted Nassar also looked after injured gymnasts.

His most successful gymnast was Jordyn Wieber, who was all around world champion in 2011 and Olympic champion a year later.

During the Nassar trial, Geddert had always said that he had "no knowledge" of the crimes committed by Nassar, who was sentenced to 175 years in prison.

The former medical professional pleaded guilty to sexually abusing several gymnasts during the trials.

A total of hundreds of gymnasts and their parents had been filed against him, including Olympic champions Alexandra Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Simone Biles.

The US Gymnastics Federation had offered the victims compensation totaling $ 215 million.

An amicable solution is being sought with the representatives of the athletes concerned, said Li Li Leung, head of the association.

With an agreement on severance payments of the equivalent of 195 million euros, the association wants to avert the threatened legal proceedings with Nassar's victims.

Victim lawyers initially rejected the US association's offer of compensation.

Icon: The mirror

mfu / dpa