WASHINGTON – In a recent report released by the Justice Department watchdog, the FBI has been under scrutiny for failing to report suspected child sexual abuse cases to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, despite changes that were supposed to be made following the case involving former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
The review, which looked into over 300 cases between 2021 and 2023, revealed that the FBI did not comply with mandatory reporting requirements in about 50% of the cases. Additionally, the Bureau failed to make timely reports within the 24-hour period in 57% of cases. These findings raise concerns about the FBI’s handling of child abuse cases and its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
One particular incident highlighted in the report involved the FBI’s delayed action in response to an allegation of abuse by a registered sex offender. Despite receiving the report, the FBI did not take appropriate investigative steps for over a year, allowing the offender to continue abusing others in the meantime.
The investigation was prompted by the FBI’s mishandling of the Larry Nassar case, where the Bureau’s failures to act promptly allowed Nassar to continue his abusive behavior. The report identified 42 cases of concern, indicating systemic issues within the FBI’s approach to investigating crimes against children.
While acknowledging the mistakes made, a senior FBI official emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to improving its practices and prioritizing the safety of children. The official cited challenges such as the overwhelming workload, increased use of technology to conceal crimes, and budget constraints as factors contributing to the difficulties faced by agents tasked with investigating child abuse cases.
The FBI stated, “Ensuring the safety and security of children is not just a priority for the FBI; it is a solemn duty that we are committed to fulfilling with the highest standards.” Despite the challenges, the Bureau remains dedicated to its mission of combating crimes against children.
This report comes on the heels of a previous inquiry into the FBI’s handling of sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar, which revealed significant shortcomings in the Bureau’s response that allowed Nassar to continue victimizing individuals unchecked.
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