MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon testifies Feb. 24, 2015, before a joint meeting of the state house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education at the Michigan state Capitol in downtown Lansing. Simon emphasized the ways MSU has cut costs after years of only slight funding increases.
Former Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon discussed ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar's sexual abuse in a meeting in May 2014, according to court records.
The investigation stemmed from an April 2014 report from Amanda Thomashow that Nassar abused her during an appointment at the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic. Simon was charged with two felony charges and two misdemeanor charges on Nov. 20 for lying to investigators about the 2014 investigation into ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar.
Simon attended a meeting with Paulette Granberry Russell, former head of MSU's Title IX office, in which they discussed the case. Documents obtained by the Michigan State Police show handwritten notes from Russell and Simon about the case.
Russell's notes say "Sports Med, Dr. Nassar, SA." SA stands for sexual assault, according to court records. Simon's note says "COM Incident," and COM stands for College of Osteopathic Medicine, where Nassar worked.
"In light of the evidence uncovered during the MSU investigation, Simon gave materially false and misleading statements to me and Lieutenant Cavanagh that impeded the criminal investigation of first-degree criminal sexual conduct," said the affidavit written by Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant William Arndt.
The affidavit also alleges Simon chose to not tell police the full truth about the investigation
"Simon made these statements knowingly and willingly, in an effort to insulate herself and MSU from criminal and civil liability," the affidavit said.
Simon is charged in Eaton County because she was interviewed by Michigan State Police in Dimondale. If convicted, she faces up to four years in prison.
Simon resigned as president in January 2018, following calls for her resignation from the MSU students, staff and faculty, the surrounding community and lawmakers.
Simon's attorneys could not be reached for comment because they are out of the office.
Simon is the third MSU affiliated person to be charged by the Attorney General's Office as the investigation into Nassar continues.
Former gymnastics head coach Kathie Klages is charged with lying to investigators about her knowledge of Nassar's abuse. Nassar's boss and former dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine William Strampel is charged with two misdemeanors for his actions regarding the 2014 Title IX investigation as well as a felony charge unrelated to Nassar.
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