FBI mishandled child abuse allegations despite new protocols

The F.B.I.'s mismanagement of child sexual abuse allegations has come under scrutiny from the Justice Department's watchdog, as revealed in a report published recently. The report highlights the Bureau's failure to effectively address and investigate such allegations, even after implementing new protocols in response to the criticism faced during its handling of the Lawrence G. Nassar case involving young gymnasts.

Serious Issues Identified

Michael E. Horowitz, the department's inspector general, discovered that out of 327 sexual abuse cases reviewed, 42 were marred by significant problems. These issues included a lack of coordination with local law enforcement and a failure to follow up on leads, indicating a pressing need for improvement within the F.B.I. Moreover, in approximately half of the cases reviewed, there was "no evidence" that F.B.I. investigators reported instances of sexual abuse to local, state, and tribal authorities.

The lack of cooperation with other law enforcement agencies not only hindered the investigation into Mr. Nassar but also contributed to the prolonged duration of the inquiry conducted by the Bureau's field offices in Los Angeles and Indianapolis. Despite young athletes stepping forward with allegations as early as the summer of 2015, Mr. Nassar, the former national gymnastics team doctor, remained at large until late 2016. During this time, he had already abused at least 70 girls and women. He is currently imprisoned after subjecting hundreds of his patients, including Olympic champion Simone Biles, to sexual assault under the pretense of medical treatment.