The FBI itself has been among the most vehement critics of the FBI’s handling of sexual assault allegations against disgraced US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
The office on Wednesday admitted the staggering failure of its clients, as outlined in a scathing review by the Justice Department’s inspector general.
In a two-page response accompanying the inspector general’s report, the FBI described the actions of two top agents, accused of making false statements to investigators, as “completely unacceptable” and “disturbing.”
The bureau said an unnamed special oversight agent has been reassigned pending the completion of an internal FBI investigation. The bureau said the actions of the former chief of the FBI’s Indianapolis division, W. J. Abbott, who retired in January 2018, “reflect a violation of the FBI’s established code of conduct and the ethical obligations of FBI personnel, especially senior officials.”
IG: FBI official sought to work with Olympic Committee
After initial allegations of sexual assault were submitted to the FBI in 2015 – and largely ignored – investigators said Abbott sought a job with the US Olympic Committee.
The inspector general found that Abbott discussed potential employment with the committee while weighing the allegations against Nassar and then made false statements about those conversations on two occasions when interrogated by investigators.
“The extent of his behavior while seeking employment (with the Olympic Committee) is particularly troubling, as is the finding that he made false statements to the OIG,” the FBI said. “Simply put, the behavior described in the report is not representative of the FBI or of tens of thousands of retirees and current employees.”
In a separate statement after the report was released, the FBI reiterated the inspector general’s findings, saying the behavior “should not have occurred.”
“The FBI will never lose sight of the mischief caused by Nassar. The actions and inaction of some of the FBI personnel described in the report are inexcusable and tarnish the reputation of this organization. The FBI has taken positive steps to ensure and confirm that officials for misconduct and breach of trust are no longer operating from by the FBI.”
Changes in sexual assault policies
While the bureau has acknowledged severe failure and misconduct from senior clients, the bureau said FBI Director Chris Wray has launched a review that will clarify requirements for documenting and retaining complaints of sexual assault and sexual assault.
The FBI policy will also be amended to require a 30-day case examination on complaints of sexual assault and assault to determine if further investigations are warranted. Ray also ordered additional training in dealing with these victims, especially children.
“We do not lose sight of victims who suffered abuse due to potential missed opportunities to disrupt the further criminal behavior of the now-convicted Nassar in 2015 and 2016,” the FBI said. “The behavior and facts presented in the report are shocking, and we appreciate your continued efforts to examine them and recommend further improvements and safeguards.”
The report was the inspector general’s most scathing rebuke of the FBI’s work since 2019, when investigators found that surveillance requests Ex-Trump campaign adviser It was full of errors.
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