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Allegations Against Former OSU Team Doctor Rise to 150

The entrance to Ohio State University's Ohio Stadium in Columbus.  (Shutterstock)

By Paige Pfleger

The number of sexual abuse claims against a former wrestling team doctor at Ohio State University has grown to 150.  Investigators say their claims are consistent, despite alleged incidents spanning years. 

It's been seven months since the lawfirm Perkins Coie started its independent external investigation into allegations against the late Dr. Richard Strauss. During that time, investigators say they've conducted 440 interviews.

Markus Funk is one of the lead investigators. He said 150 former students have reported first hand sexual abuse by Strauss.

"The survivors attended Ohio State at different eras, but did not have contact with each other. And yet, their recollections of what doctor Strauss did to them and how he did what he did matches across time," he told OSU trustees during a meeting Thursday to update them on their findings.

Funk said they're investigating what Ohio State employees and administrators knew about Strauss’s conduct, and whether they responded appropriately. Strauss' accusers will have a chance to testify before trustees themselves on Friday.  

Investigators said they hope to conclude the fact-finding phase of the investigation this year.