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Disgraced child molester and former USA gymnastics teams doctor Larry Nassar has just been sentenced to 175 years in prison. After she was seen throwing Nassar’s six-page letter aside, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina threw the book at Nassar and assured him that he will never see the light of day again.
https://twitter.com/slothanova/status/956215768483614720
The Larry Nassar Sexual Abuse Scandal & Conviction
After more than 150 girls and young women testified against Nassar, who was accused of years and years of sexually abusing his young female clients, Aquilina commended the young women for coming forth.
"You're the new generation of superheroes. Mattel should make toys so little girls can look at you and say 'I wanna be her.'" -Judge Aquilina
— The Gymternet (@thegymterdotnet) January 22, 2018
The judge has been very transparent and incredibly sympathetic to all the women who’ve come forth. When Rachel Donhollander, the woman who initially filed the police report that would lead to MSU’s investigation, came forth- Aquilina praised her.
Judge Aquilina to Rachael Denhollander: "You have created an Army of Survivors. And you are a five-star general…you are the bravest person I have ever had in my courtroom." #nassarsentencing
— Dave Akerly (@DaveAkerlyOnAir) January 24, 2018
To another young lady who came into court in tears over the ordeal and abuse she suffered at the hands of Nassar, Aquilina gave her words of encouragement when she said: “Leave your pain here, and go out and do your magnificent things.”
And while many of young athletes have been deemed heroes for speaking out and helping to put Nassar away, Aquilina’s being considered the silent hero as thousands of tweets pouring in expressing their admiration for Aquilina’s no-nonsense attitude toward Nassar.
For those who missed it. This is the look Judge Aquilina gave Larry Nassar after she finished reading that six page letter, where at one point he said "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn." pic.twitter.com/W8qIKJmTTm
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) January 24, 2018
When it came time to read Nassar her verdict, Judge Aquilina made sure to tell Nassar precisely what she thought of his actions.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina: “You've done nothing to deserve to walk outside a prison again.”
Justice for more than 150 underage girls Nassar molested while working for the USA Gymnastics team and Michigan State U. His youngest victim was just 6 years old. https://t.co/R7213S1fll
— Feminists for Life (@Feminists4Life) January 24, 2018
Judge Aquilina, in a slow & quiet voice, crushing Nassar in a vise. "You played on everyone's vulnerability. I'm not vulnerable. Not to you. … I swore to uphold the Constitution and the law. … And I know exactly what to do. … It is my honor and privilege to sentence you."
— Dan Zak (@MrDanZak) January 24, 2018
"It is my privilege to sentence you on counts 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 18, and 24. If you somehow survive your federal sentence of 60 years, then I give you 175 years, which is 2100 months. I just signed your death sentence." -Judge Aquilina
— The Gymternet (@thegymterdotnet) January 24, 2018
Who Is Judge Rosemarie Aquilina?
The daughter of a Maltese father and German mother, Aquilina came to the United States with her parents when she was just a toddler.
While attending law school and working full time, she had two kids before joining the military. Nicknamed, “Barracuda Aquilina”, she became the first female Judge Advocate Guard in the Michigan Army Guard and according to a recent profile was described as a “fighter” who doesn’t take no for an answer. She was quoted as saying, “I stand up for people and say, ‘we’re going to do what’s right’.”
As she has now been quickly deemed an icon, Aquilina is taking steps to ensure that the right thing is being done from now on. As she continues to push forward and make sure justice is served, when it comes to sexual assault and misconduct she is rightfully making an example out of Nassar saying, “It stops now.”
Judge Aquilina on child sexual abuse: "It stops now. Speak out like these survivors and become part of the army." https://t.co/KWY1pm3GPO pic.twitter.com/F8o0xBHzgF
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2018
Praises For Aquilina
Aquilina’s speech was met with acclaim on social media as thousands of tweets rolled in praising Aquilina for her blunt and ruthless words towards the disgraced Nassar.
https://twitter.com/arb/status/956216204225630208
Watching Judge Aquilina speak in the Nassar sentencing gives me a sense of hope that justice can and will be served in sexual assault cases. The women that came forward within the last two weeks to speak out are true heroes. "You are no longer victims; you are survivors."
— Charlotte Gibson (@TheCharlotteSue) January 24, 2018
