Ex-Olympic coach kills himself after sex crime charges

Former U.S. Olympic gymnastics coach John Geddert, who was charged earlier on Thursday with human trafficking and sexual assault, has since committed suicide.

In a statement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said "Geddert was found late this afternoon after taking his own life. This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved."

Geddert had ties to disgraced USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who received two prison sentences in Michigan of 40 to 125 years and 40 to 175 years for molesting young female gymnasts. He is also serving a 60-year federal term for child pornography convictions.

Earlier on Thursday, Geddert was charged with 20 counts of human trafficking, one count of first-degree sexual assault, and one count of second-degree sexual assault, among other related charges.

Geddert coached the U.S. women's team known as the "Fierce Five" that won gold at the 2012 Olympics and was the former owner of the Lansing-area Twistars USA Gymnastics Club for elite athletes where Nassar treated gymnasts.

The Attorney General's office said that under the guise of coaching, Geddert reportedly subjected multiple young women to an environment of continued abuse, in which he also neglected advice of medical doctors – except that provided by Nassar, who served for around 20 years as Geddert's team physician.