William Strampel, DO, former dean of the East Lansing-based Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, was arrested March 26 and charged with counts of criminal sexual conduct and willful neglect of duty the following day, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Strampel, 70, led the university's medical school from 2002 until he took medical leave and stepped down from the role last December. During his tenure, Dr. Strampel was in charge of monitoring the actions of Larry Nassar, DO, who is currently serving a 60-year sentence in federal prison on charges of child pornography.
Here are six things to know about the case.
1. Dr. Strampel was charged March 27 with one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct using force or coercion and two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty by a public officer. He also faces a felony charge of misconduct of a public official. The charges stem, in part, from allegations by several female Michigan State students who reportedly told police Dr. Strampel had propositioned them for sexual favors, groped and harassed them, according to an affidavit filed in Michigan state court March 27, and partly because of his alleged failure to supervise Dr. Nassar and allowing him to see and treat patients while under investigation.
2. The Michigan attorney general's office seized Dr. Strampel's work computer in early February as part of its investigation into the medical school. Investigators reportedly found an estimated 50 pornographic images and other content of a sexual nature. The device also reportedly contained a video of Dr. Nassar performing a "treatment" on a young female patient, according to the WSJ.
3. According to the affidavit, Dr. Strampel also allowed Dr. Nassar to see patients while he was under investigation in 2014. While Dr. Nassar was cleared of all charges, the university mandated he follow strict guidelines to prevent future complaints. Dr. Strampel allegedly did not monitor Dr. Nassar and allowed him to begin seeing patients before the investigation had concluded, the affidavit states.
4. According to a previous Wall Street Journal report, Dr. Strampel told a group of students and administrators in October 2016 he didn't believe the women who accused Dr. Nassar of sexual abuse, allegedly stating, "Patients lie to get doctors in trouble. I don't think any of these women were actually assaulted by Larry."
5. University officials said in February they are in the process of firing Dr. Strampel. In a statement to The Wall Street Journal March 27, Michigan State University Interim President John Engler said the university would continue to cooperate with investigators and noted some of the allegations against Dr. Strampel were "disturbing."
"Some of the allegations about his personal conduct, especially conduct toward students, are disturbing. Today's charges confirm our belief that he has fallen short of what is expected and required from academic leadership," Mr. Engler said.
6. Dr. Strampel was arraigned in district court March 27. The judge set his bond at $25,000, and he was not asked to enter a plea. Dr. Strampel is also prohibited from having contact with victims, witnesses, or any current or former Michigan State University medical students.
To access the Wall Street Journal report, click here.