Former MSU gymnastics coach Kathie Klages sits at a motion to strike an expert witness at Veterans Memorial Court on Feb. 5, 2020.
Former Michigan State women's gymnastics coach Kathie Klages was released early from her probation period Monday, June 28.
Klages was charged for lying in court regarding information about convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for numerous sexual assault charges.
According to a press release from Michigan's Department of Attorney General on Aug. 4, 2020, "(Klages) was sentenced today to 18 months probation, with the first 90 days to be served in the Ingham County Jail and to be placed on tether for 90 days following that."
Klages is being released from probation significantly earlier due to a request for those who have supervised her. It is said that she has been on good behavior which led to the agreement of her early release. This includes the mentoring of young individuals in prison.
"The evidence clearly points to the fact that Ms. Klages was aware – for decades – of Larry Nassar’s actions," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in the Aug. 2020 statement. "She did nothing to protect the young women who were counting on her to stand up for them."
Besides Nassar, Klages was one of the two staff members convicted along with the former dean of MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine William Strampel.
"Ms. Klages chose to remain silent at a time when doing the right thing should’ve motivated her to do the very opposite and speak up on behalf of the victims,” Nessel said in the statement. “Her inaction empowered Larry Nassar to continue committing his heinous crimes, and for her dishonesty, Ms. Klages will be forever tied to the trail of victims Nassar left behind.”
For more information on Klages' original sentencing, click here.
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