WASHINGTON — A recent report from the Justice Department’s inspector general reveals significant failures by the FBI in reporting child sexual abuse allegations to local law enforcement and social service agencies. These findings come in the wake of criticisms concerning the FBI’s handling of the case against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
The inspector general’s review highlights systemic issues as overworked agents struggle to manage multiple investigations simultaneously, raising concerns about the risk of crucial cases slipping through the cracks.
Legal representatives for abuse victims expressed alarm over the report’s implications. They lamented that despite commitments to reform, the landscape surrounding child protection remains dangerously inadequate, echoing fears that similar scandals may still occur.
According to the report, the FBI took no investigative action for more than a year in a case involving a registered sex offender accused of multiple abuses, illustrating severe delays that allowed further victimization to occur.
The investigation encompassed over 300 cases and identified 42 that required “immediate attention,” indicating a disturbing lack of follow-through in many instances, including a failure to meet mandated reporting requirements about half the time.
When allegations were reported, the FBI adhered to its 24-hour reporting policy in just 43 percent of the cases, raising critical questions regarding accountability and adherence to established protocols.
An FBI official acknowledged the bureau’s shortcomings while asserting that most child crime investigations are handled appropriately. The official cited ongoing efforts to enhance practices, emphasizing a commitment to child safety.
Ensuring the security of children remains a top priority for the FBI, which has stressed the need for continuous improvement in handling these sensitive and important cases.
The report also noted that many flagged incidents resulted from inadequate documentation or situations that required no further action, revealing procedural gaps within the agency.
Agents face overwhelming caseloads, with one cited as managing around 60 open investigations related to child abuse and human trafficking. This heightened workload has directly contributed to the failures in timely investigations, according to the findings.
The inquiry into the Nassar case underscored the importance of swift action against abuse allegations. The investigation concluded that the FBI’s reluctance to act promptly allowed Nassar to continue his predatory behavior until his eventual arrest in 2016.
Past reports have criticized the FBI for its handling of Nassar’s case, which included multiple lapses in procedure and urgency. Nassar ultimately pleaded guilty in 2017 to serious charges involving the sexual assault of young athletes while posing as a medical professional.
In light of the findings, the FBI has publicly acknowledged the failures of those involved in the Nassar investigation, and a substantial settlement has been reached with numerous victims who accused the agency of significant mishandling of their allegations.
