Kathie Klages, a former Michigan State University gymnastics coach, could go to trial on charges of lying to law enforcement during the Larry Nassar investigations, with a judge set to make the decision Thursday.
Warrants for her arrest were issued earlier this year during an investigation into the Nassar case, in which the former USA Gymnastics team doctor was convicted of sexually assaulting patients.
In a statement, the Michigan attorney general's office noted that Klages "denied to law enforcement officers about having been told prior to 2016 of Nassar's sexual misconduct," according to ESPN. "Witnesses have said that they reported Nassar's sexual abuse to Klages dating back more than 20 years."
Now a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to send Klages to trial, National Public Radio reported.
Klages is the second person to be criminally charged during the investigation launched by an independent, special prosecutor by the Michigan attorney general.
Earlier this year NBC News reported that former MSU dean, William Strampel, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, felony official misconduct, and two counts of willful neglect of duty.
The willful neglect charges arose from Strampel's supervision of Nassar.
Klages faces misdemeanor and felony charges and accusations of lying to law enforcement, NPR noted.
This arose after she denied any knowledge that Nassar had assaulted his patients or made them feel uncomfortable. Two women said they had disclosed such information to the former MSU gymnastics coach.
Klages attorney, Takura Nyamfukudza, noted that the timing for the decision "is very interesting," as Attorney General Bill Schuette is the Republican candidate for governor.
"I think for the [attorney general], Larry Nassar and anyone associated to him is the gift that keeps on giving," Nyamfukudza said, according to NPR.
The attorney general's office dismissed Nyamfukudza's accusations.
"Lying to the police is not a political act," said attorney general spokesperson Andrea Bitely. "Sexual assault is not a political act."
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