Larry Nassar Removed From Michigan Offender Registry After Ruling

The legal change affected Nassar because his s*xual abuse of young athletes occurred before the 2011 cutoff date. This happened even though his criminal charges, trial, and convictions took place years later in 2018. Prosecutors and state officials emphasized that the recent Supreme Court ruling does not overturn his convictions, alter his prison sentences, or change the requirement that he must register if he were ever released.

Impact of the Michigan Supreme Court Retroactivity Decision

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that keeping more than 20,000 individuals on the registry amounted to retroactively increasing their punishments. The registry totals roughly 43,000 individuals overall. Under constitutional law, criminal penalties established in the past cannot be altered or lengthened by newer laws passed years later. Because Nassar’s offenses took place before July 1, 2011, his listing had to be cleared. At that time, sentences included a time-limited period on the registry with a definite expiration date.

The Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office explained the timeline to the public via social media. They stated: "His conviction was after 2011 for crimes committed prior to 2011. There are many many offenders in prison who are on the list. Nassar is no longer there because his conduct occurred before 2011 despite his convictions coming after."

Prosecutorial Pushback and Community Concerns

The decision drew sharp criticism from local prosecutors. The Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement calling the wholesale elimination of registration requirements for thousands of offenders "deeply concerning."

"Our community, along with the victims of these crimes, expected the registry to provide a measure of protection and awareness-assurances that have now been removed by the Court’s ruling," the Eaton County prosecutor’s office stated.

Nassar was prosecuted across multiple jurisdictions, including Ingham County, Eaton County, and federal court. He is currently serving consecutive federal and state sentences that will last for decades, making his release highly improbable. His sentences include:

• Federal Court (December 2017): 60 years in prison on child p@rnography charges.
• Ingham County Circuit Court (January 2018): 40 to 175 years in prison for seven counts of criminal s*xual conduct.
• Eaton County Circuit Court (February 2018): 40 to 125 years in prison for three counts of criminal s*xual conduct.

Nassar is currently incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg in Union County, Pennsylvania. He was previously transferred from federal custody following an assault inside a Florida prison in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ruling and Larry Nassar

Why was Larry Nassar removed from the Michigan offender registry?

Nassar was removed following a September 9, 2026, Michigan Supreme Court ruling. The court determined that 2021 amendments to the Offender Registration Act cannot be applied retroactively to crimes committed before July 1, 2011.

Does this court ruling overturn Larry Nassar’s convictions?

No. The Michigan Supreme Court decision does not vacate, overturn, or alter any of Larry Nassar’s state or federal convictions and consecutive prison sentences totaling decades behind bars.

Is Larry Nassar still in prison?

Yes. Nassar is currently serving his lengthy prison sentences at the U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg in Pennsylvania and remains unlikely to ever be released.

How many people were removed from the Michigan registry alongside Nassar?

State police purged more than 20,000 individuals whose criminal offenses occurred prior to the July 1, 2011 cutoff date.

What were Larry Nassar’s positions when he committed his crimes?

Nassar served as a sports physician and assistant professor at Michigan State University, as well as the national medical coordinator for USA Gymnastics. He utilized his role to abuse hundreds of athletes under the guise of medical treatment.