Former USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with evidence in the sexual assault investigation of jailed gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

The Walker County district attorney’s office in Huntsville, Texas, said Penny was arrested by a fugitive task force in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and awaits extradition to Texas.

Larry Nassar
Larry Nassar admitted molesting some of America’s top gymnasts (AP)

The US grand jury indictment alleges Penny ordered the removal of documents from the Karolyi Ranch near Huntsville, relating to Nassar’s activities there.

It is alleged that the removal was aimed at impairing the ongoing investigation into Nassar.

Penny resigned under pressure in March 2017.

The offence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.