Scope and Severity - Ep 4
In Episode 4 of Open Investigation, host Melanie McLaughlin continues her inquiry into the disappearance of her childhood friend, Andy Puglisi, and the broader human trafficking ring that thrived in 1970s Massachusetts. The episode uncovers an extensive network of child exploitation, focusing on the infamous North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) and how societal norms of the time allowed such abuses to flourish.
McLaughlin's research reveals disturbing connections between organized pedophile rings across the U.S., including a 1977 Chicago Tribune investigation and cases in New Orleans, Tennessee, and Michigan. She emphasizes that child sexual abuse (CSA) was, and still is, a systemic issue, often involving high-profile figures who used their power to conceal their crimes.
The episode explores different types of child sex rings, based on forensic nurse Ann Burgess's work, and reveals how networks operated across industries, including trucking. McLaughlin details how these rings normalized abuse, using code words and front organizations, leading to widespread media coverage and new laws in the late 1970s.
McLaughlin highlights ongoing CSA cases involving figures like Jeffrey Epstein and R. Kelly, drawing parallels to past abuses. She stresses the importance of confronting CSA's history to prevent future crimes and concludes with a call for continued vigilance, citing the lasting impact of investigative exposés like Spotlight and Leaving Neverland.
This episode was produced, written and hosted by Melanie Perkins McLaughlin.
Editing by Mike Gioscia
Original music and additional editing by Drew O'Doherty
Consulting producer Anngelle Wood from Crime of the Truest Kind
Graphics and website by Cheryl Crawford design and Justin Stasburg
Research by Melissa Ellin and Maggie Schneider
Production assistance by Darren McFadden, Sarah Ruemenapp and Alexandra Vega
Our social media producer is Carla de Stefano
And special thanks to George. You know who you are.
Links:
Boston Globe Spotlight Series on Clergy Abuse
Boston Globe Spotlight Series on Private School Abuse
Sexual Exploitation Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Crime 1977
Vanity Fair Article Boy Scout Abuse Story
Follow: @openinvestigation
Support: Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation
Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy
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