John Geddert, the former US gymnastics coach accused of several crimes, including trafficking in persons, died of suicide, the Michigan attorney general’s office said on Thursday.
No further details have been released, according to FOX17 West Michigan. He was convicted Thursday afternoon after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said he should surrender. Nessel’s office told The Detroit News that he didn’t deliver.
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The 63-year-old man was charged Thursday in Michigan. Prosecutors said Geddert is also accused of lying to investigators about hearing complaints about unfortunate doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving time in prison for sexually assaulting female athletes under the impression of receiving medical treatment. Nassar also treated injured athletes at Michigan’s Geddert Academy.
He was charged with first and second degree criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of trafficking in persons, forced labor, six counts of trafficking in minors, forced labor, criminal company operation and lying to the police.
Prosecutors acknowledged that human trafficking charges were an unusual use of Michigan law.
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“We think it predominantly affects people of color or without means to protect themselves … but, honestly, it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Impressionable young women can sometimes be vulnerable and open to trafficking crimes, regardless of their stature in the community or the financial well-being of their families.”
Nessel added: “It is alleged that John Geddert used force, fraud and coercion against young athletes who sought him out for gym training for financial benefit. The victims suffered from eating disorders, including bulimia, anorexia, suicide attempts and self-mutilation, conditioning excessive physical abuse, being repeatedly forced to perform, even when injured, extreme emotional abuse and physical abuse, including sexual assault. “
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Geddert was the head coach of the 2012 American Olympic women’s gymnastics team, which won the gold medal thanks to the performances of Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.