• Scope and Severity

  • Oct 1 2024
  • Length: 40 mins
  • Podcast

  • Summary

  • 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

    Boy Scout Perversion Files

    Sexual Exploitation Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Crime 1977

    Vanity Fair Article Boy Scout Abuse Story

    Text the show

    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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