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Ex-MSU dean William Strampel sentenced to 1 year in Ingham County Jail

August 7, 2019
<p>The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s former Dean Dr. William Strampel (right) on trial at the Ingham Count Circuit Court on June 4, 2019.</p>

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s former Dean Dr. William Strampel (right) on trial at the Ingham Count Circuit Court on June 4, 2019.

Photo by Matt Zubik | The State News

Ex-dean of Michigan State's College of Osteopathic Medicine William Strampel was sentenced to one year in Ingham County Jail Wednesday morning.

Strampel was found guilty of misconduct in office and two counts of willful neglect in relation to his role as ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar's boss June 12. He was found not guilty of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Strampel was sentenced to 11 months for count one, one year for count two and one year for count three. The sentences run concurrently, Judge Joyce Draganchuk said.

"I admittedly was disappointed to hear that he was acquitted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. I believe Dr. Jessica Neuroth, as part of my experience with former Dean William Strampel mirrors hers," Nicole Eastman said in her victim impact statement. "He should have been found guilty on the criminal sexual conduct, and he knows the truth in regards to his inability to keep his hands to himself. He will live with the guilt that he touched more than one female medical student without consent. He violated personal space and betrayed trust in a position of power, and he also disrespected his wife.

"I think of the victims of both William Strampel and Larry Nassar, and I think of the comments that I have seen from those who have questioned why the term "Survivor" is used. Knowing that not all have survived the pain from this abuse, that some died by suicide secondary to the pain inflicted on them, I feel that the term "Survivor" is quite fitting. I most certainly survived the effects of the abuse that I have experienced, including a near-fatal accident. I was where I was at the time of my accident due to abuse in medicine and abuse of power."

Leah Jackson read her victim impact statement at Strampel's sentencing. She asked for Draganchuk to impose the maximum sentence.

"He was supposed to protect us, but he chose to betray us," Jackson said.

During Strampel's trial, witnesses testified that Strampel sexually harassed and assaulted them, made inappropriate comments and abused his power as dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

"In this case, you oppressed these women," Draganchuck said. "You didn't have to say any of these things to them."

Draganchuck said Strampel used his power as dean to manipulate and oppress the women who came forward to testify against him, which she believes is more than sexual harassment.

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