Texas Rangers ordered to investigate sexual assault allegations at Karolyi Ranch

HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate allegations of sexual assault at the Karolyi Ranch in Walker County.

Until recently, the ranch served as the training facility for USA Gymnastics.

"The public statements made by athletes who previously trained at the Karolyi Ranch are gut-wrenching," Abbott said in a written statement about the order. “Those athletes, as well as all Texans, deserve to know that no stone is left unturned to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly vetted and the perpetrators and enablers of any such misconduct are brought to justice. The people of Texas demand, and the victims deserve, nothing less."

VIDEO: A look inside Karolyi Ranch

Abbott also lauded the investigation already being conducted by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and said the state’s investigators should work with local law enforcement to conduct the inquiry.

An Olympic gymnast previously said that ex-team doctor Larry Nassar treated and abused girls at the ranch for more than 15 years. Nassar was recently sentenced to up to 175 years in prison by a Michigan judge after he admitted to sexually abusing team members under the guise of treatment.

USA Gymnastics severed ties with the ranch nearly two weeks ago.