A tragic end in the ongoing story and prosecution of those involved in the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Former U.S. Olympics gymnastics coach, John Geddert, from the Lansing area with ties to disgraced sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar died from suicide Thursday, hours after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed human trafficking, sexual assault and racketeering charges against him, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed. Geddert’s body was found by Michigan State Police troopers at 3:24 p.m. at a rest area off eastbound Interstate 96 in Clinton County, Michigan State Police said. Geddert was expected to turn himself in at 2:15 p.m. to the Eaton County Sheriff Department.
Since mid-January when Attorney General Dana Nessel filed charges in the Flint water casee against former governorRick Snyder and former Director of DH&S Nick Lyon, I have voiced my disagreement with many of the criminal charges that have been filed in this case. I have consistently said that this case does not belong in criminal case as it was a civil matter that was settled by the state for over $600 million.
Today, Nolan Finley in a Detroit News editorial wrote about this case. Here are excerpts from his editorial. “For former Gov. Rick Snyder and the members of his administration charged in the Flint water crisis, defending themselves is like playing basketball wearing blindfolds. They can only guess at the evidence Attorney General Dana Nessel and special prosecutor Kym Worthy intend to present against them in court…. Unlike most other criminal cases in Michigan, the evidence against the Snyder administration officials was not presented at a preliminary exam after they were charged….. Chip Chamberlain, attorney for Nick Lyon, has asked that the transcripts and other evidentiary documents be unsealed, but won’t know until a June hearing whether the request will be granted…He’s also asking for the court to order a preliminary exam…. Justice for Flint won’t come by railroading Snyder and his team. The potential for partisan undertones in this prosecution should have compelled the attorney general to assure the process was completely above board, with no shortcuts taken.The grand jury evidence should be unsealed immediately to give the defendants some idea of why the government thinks they did what it is accusing them of doing, and the time needed to defend themselves.”
A great win by the Wolverines tonight as they beat number 9 Iowa 79-57. Michigan put on a clinic in the second half. I hope MSU can follow it with victory against OSU.
Stay safe. Wear your mask. Social distance. Wash your hands regularly. Schedule your vaccine.
Quote of the Day: “For former Gov. Rick Snyder and the members of his administration charged in the Flint water crisis, defending themselves is like playing basketball wearing blindfolds.” Nolan Finley in his editorial in the Detroit News today about how the secrecy of the information against Governor Snyder, Nick Lyon and others is contrary to our form of justice.
Orchid of the Day: Isaiah Livers, University of Michigan men’s basketball team, for being named one of five finalists for Julius Erving Award as the best small forward in college basketball.
Onion of the Day: Dana Nessel and Kym Worthy for their handling of the above mentioned prosecution of the Flint water case. I have been very supportive of their careers, but in this case, I cannot support their handling of this case.