CHARLOTTE, Mich. — A judge says there's "no way" she will punish a father of three victims of Larry Nassar after the dad tried to attack the former sports doctor in a Michigan courtroom.
Randall Margraves apologized Friday, a few hours after he charged toward Nassar during a sentencing hearing in Eaton County, Michigan.
Judge Janice Cunningham says a punishment isn't appropriate based on the crimes committed by Nassar and the anguish felt by families. But she also says it's wrong to "combat assault with assault."
Cunningham could have given Margraves a jail sentence or fine as she considered whether to hold him in contempt of court.
Nassar must listen to scores of victims before he's sentenced next week for sexual assault. He's admitted molesting young gymnasts. He's already been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison in another county.
Bailiffs tackled the father Friday morning in the courtroom.
After two of his daughters spoke, the father, Randall Margraves, asked the judge for "five minutes" in a locked room with Nassar. The judge said she could not do that.
"I'm asking you as part of the sentencing to grant me five minutes alone in a locked room with this demon," Margraves told the judge this morning.
Two of his daughters, who were standing beside him, had given statements to the court. They said their other sister also had been molested by Nassar.
Margraves then asked for one minute, but the judge reiterated that the answer was no. Margraves then charged toward Nassar in the courtroom.
Police in the courtroom apprehended Margraves and escorted him out of the room.
"Let me get that son of a b----," Margraves was heard saying as he was apprehended.
Crying could be heard in the courtroom as Nassar was escorted out. Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis told families in the courtroom to "use your words" and that violence "is not helping your children."
Nassar is facing a second sentencing hearing, this time in Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Michigan.
This sentencing process, which began Wednesday, comes more than a week after Nassar was given up to 175 years in prison for multiple counts of criminal sexual misconduct.
Earlier in the hearing, the judge said controversial comments made by an attorney for Nassar were "unfortunate."
Judge Janice Cunningham opened the second day of Nassar's final sentencing hearing on Friday by addressing comments that attorney Shannon Smith made the day before to radio station WWJ.
Smith said she had doubts about the large number of women and girls who say they are victims.
The judge says Nassar didn't authorize the statements and has disavowed them. Cunningham says it's unfortunate Smith made the comments during the sentencing proceedings.
Cunningham says "what is relevant is for the court to hear each individual story and how the criminal actions of the defendant impacted each individual's life."
The hearing focuses on Nassar's work with Twistars, an elite Michigan gymnastics club. More than 30 victims have given statements so far. During a similar hearing that ended last week, more than 150 girls and women came forward.
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Associated Press
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