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The state’s Court of Appeals is overturning the conviction of former Michigan State University gymnastics coach Kathie Klages

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Kathy Klages
Associated Press

Klages had been accused of lying to police about her knowledge of sexual abuse by ex-doctor Larry Nassar

. (clay-giss) As WKAR’s Sarah Lehr (LEER) reports, (nass-our).

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Klages told investigators in 2018 she had no memory of being told by gymnasts about two decades prior that Nassar’s (nass-our’s) so-called treatment included genital penetration. A jury was unconvinced and convicted Klages last year (2020) of lying to police.

But in a 2-1 ruling Tuesday, an appeals panel ordered her conviction to be overturned. Klages’ attorney Mary Chartier (Shar-tee-A) calls it a vindication.

“Not one single person could attest that Mrs. Klages actually remembered the so-called conversation from 1997. So even if the conversation did occur, they presented no evidence that she remembered it. And therefore, they presented no evidence that she lied about it.”

Klages worked alongside Nassar for about twenty years. He is serving an effective life sentence after pleading guilty to sexual assault and child pornography charges.

I’m Sarah Lehr.

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