Open Investigation

In this powerful season finale, host Melanie Perkins McLaughlin takes listeners through an emotional journey, recounting her own experiences as a child advocate and revealing how survivors transform their trauma into a force for change. We hear directly from survivor and advocate Billy Giblin, whose story of resilience and advocacy sheds light on the lasting impact of abuse and the urgent need for legislative reform. Joined by attorney and policy expert Kathryn Robb, and Massachusetts State Senator Joan Lovely, we discuss the systemic issues that survivors face and the critical role of advocacy in healing and justice. Bob Hoatson from Road to Recovery shares resource and support. 

Topics Covered

• Survivor Stories: Billy Giblin shares his path from trauma to advocacy, detailing the support networks that helped him regain control and speak out.
• Advocacy and Law: CSA Survivors, Attorney Kathryn Robb and Senator Joan Lovely talk about the importance of removing the statute of limitations (SOL) on child abuse cases, enabling survivors to seek justice on their terms.
• Systemic Reform: Learn about the proposed legislation in Massachusetts aimed at SOL reform, improved reporting laws, and survivor support.
• A Call to Action: Melanie calls on listeners to join the advocacy efforts by contacting legislators to push for child protection laws.

Key Guests

• Billy Giblin - Survivor and advocate, shares his personal journey and his fight for justice and legislative reform.
• Kathryn Robb - Attorney, policy expert, and survivor, she provides insight into the legal battles for child protection and SOL reform across the U.S.
• Senator Joan Lovely - Massachusetts State Senator and survivor, actively working on SOL reform and legislative support for survivors.

Action Items
Join the movement to end the statute of limitations on child abuse cases:

• Contact Massachusetts Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano  [email protected] or call 617-722-2500 support for ending the SOL on child abuse cases.
• Find Your Legislator: www.pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator. Reach out to your local representative and senator, urging them to support SOL reform.

Resources and Links

• Open Investigation Website
• Road to Recovery
• SNAP
• Children’s Justice Campaign / Enough Abuse / Kathryn Robb
• Senator Joan Lovely Legislation
• Follow Us on Social Media: Linktree
• Support the Show on Patreon: Exclusive content and bonus episodes available for subscribers.

Be sure to download and subscribe the show for notifications of our next open investigation. Open Investigation Season 2: Clergy Abuse in Merrimack Valley. We'll host an in-depth investigation into clergy abuse in Merrimack Valley. At least 15 priests were credibly accused of sexually abusing under privileged kids in Lawre

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Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

In this episode of Open Investigation, host Melanie Perkins McLaughlin continues the journey into the chilling connections between child disappearances, abuse, and organized crime networks. Episode 7, "Connections," unearths disturbing details surrounding the missing and murdered children of the 1970s, focusing on how individuals within criminal circles, including pedophiles and traffickers, formed complex networks to perpetuate child exploitation.

Witness Testimonies:
Several survivors from different institutions recall vivid memories of abuse, including the presence of cameras, gang assaults, and darkrooms.

The Bigger Picture:
Early signs that the disappearance of Andy Puglisi was part of a much larger, interconnected network of child abuse.Eric MacLeish and Ernie Allen shed light on how the abuse wasn't isolated incidents but part of a broader, organized effort with little law enforcement action.

Charles Pierce's Confession:
Pierce, a convicted child murderer, provided a deathbed confession detailing the murder of several children, including a boy from Lawrence, MA. His ties to known child trafficker Wayne Chapman are explored.Pierce’s dark connection with other notorious criminals, such as Nathaniel Bar Jonah and Wayne Chapman, suggests a coordinated abuse network within the Merrimack Valley.

The Merrimack Valley:

The episode explores how neighboring towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire became hotspots for child abduction and abuse.

Case Details:

• Charles Pierce: Pierce's disturbing confessions, his ties to Andy Puglisi’s case, and his link to other criminals like Wayne Chapman and Nathaniel Bar Jonah, suggest the existence of a secretive, organized network of child abusers.
• Nathaniel Bar Jonah: Known for cannibalistic practices and sexual assaults, Bar Jonah’s criminal history intertwines with Wayne Chapman, who impersonated police officers to lure children.
• Missing Children: A list of over 29 children from Massachusetts who went missing or were murdered in the 1970s, including cases that remain unsolved, highlights the deep tragedy and widespread exploitation during that period.

Call to Action:

Don’t miss the next episode, where Melanie Perkins McLaughlin will explore ways we can help prevent child exploitation and protect vulnerable children. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support the podcast. For more updates, visit [website] and follow us on social media.

Additional Links & Resources:

Boston Globe 8-part series from 1999 on Melanie’s search for Andy

Nathaniel Bar Jonah (Wikipedia)

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Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

Ep 6: Trauma and Memory - In this powerful episode of Open Investigation, host Melanie McLaughlin dives deep into the profound effects of trauma, memory, and survival. The episode covers stories of child survivors of clergy abuse and other forms of childhood trauma, exploring the way memories resurface and the mechanisms the mind employs to cope. Melanie shares her own journey and how her search for answers in the disappearance of her friend, Andy Puglisi, led her into the dark underworld of organized child trafficking and abuse networks.

This episode is dedicated to the families of missing and murdered children, honoring the survivors who continue to fight for justice.

Key Topics

1. Witness Testimonies: Melanie revisits heartbreaking testimonies, including those from a victim of Father Gallagher, detailing the normalization of abuse in their community. Witness X’s story provides harrowing accounts of childhood abuse and murder he claims to have witnessed, describing chilling details uncovered through therapy.
2. Investigative Journey: Melanie recounts the making of her HBO documentary Have You Seen Andy? and the life-altering revelations that surfaced after its release. As she balanced her roles as a mother and child advocate, Melanie faced new challenges and connections related to Andy’s disappearance.
3. Dissociative Amnesia and Trauma: Featuring insights from renowned trauma expert Dr. Judith Herman, Melanie discusses how trauma impacts memory recall. Survivors like Witness X and St. Mary’s Victim experienced dissociative amnesia, a coping mechanism that allows victims to disconnect from the trauma to survive.
4. Peter Haskell Investigation: After years of investigation, a surprising turn of events saw FBI agents combing through Haskell’s property after his death. This long-awaited response seemed to validate Witness X’s claims, with evidence including child mannequins, disturbing items, and videotapes.
5. Healing from Trauma: Dr. Judith Herman discusses the critical steps for trauma survivors to find healing. She emphasizes the importance of community acknowledgment, support networks, and taking personal action to reclaim safety and justice.

Key Quotes

• Melanie McLaughlin: “The healing is in the telling. I’m doing this for the children of CSA—those who survived and those who didn’t. I believe you, and I’m sorry for what happened to you.”
• Dr. Judith Herman: “If secrecy and denial are the tyrant's first line of defense, then public truth-telling must be the first act of a survivor's resistance. And recognizing the survivor's claim to justice must be the moral community's first act of solidarity.”

Resources 

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Trauma and Recovery and Truth and Repair by Dr. Judith Herman
• Articles: New York Times - Dr. Judith Herman on Trauma
• Crime and Memory by Dr. Judith Herman
• Peter Haskell Georgetown Search Affidavit
• National Center for Missin

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Podcast Show Notes

Title: Open Investigation – Episode 5: Pedophile Priests

Content Warning: This episode discusses crimes against children, including sexual abuse and trafficking. Some listeners may find the content distressing.

Episode Summary:

In this intense episode, host Melanie McLaughlin delves into the disturbing reality of child exploitation networks, clergy abuse, and the failures of the systems meant to protect the innocent. Melanie explores the case of her childhood friend, Andy Puglisi, and how his disappearance in 1976 intersects with a network of child trafficking. As more survivors come forward, connections among clergy abuse cases in Massachusetts reveal chilling patterns of organized abuse and cover-ups.

The episode includes testimonies from survivors, insights from investigative journalists, and commentary from legal experts such as Eric MacLeish. Listeners will hear about the groundbreaking case of Father James Porter of Revere, MA, the Catholic Church's history of systemic cover-ups, and revelations about how these predators operated with impunity.

Key Points:

• Frank Fitzpatrick’s Courage: How Fitzpatrick’s confrontation with Father Porter in 1991 sparked a wave of awareness and empowered other survivors to come forward.
• The Network of Abuse: Accounts from clergy abuse survivors, attorneys, and investigators who disclose the coordinated nature of these abuses and the connections among perpetrators across Massachusetts.
• Impact on Survivors: Melanie shares the stories of several victims, including a woman recounting childhood trauma and the lifelong impacts of abuse. These harrowing stories illustrate how systemic abuse continues to harm even decades later.
• Call for Change: Ann Barrett Doyle calls for a statewide grand jury investigation into the Catholic Church’s actions in Massachusetts to ensure accountability.

Quotes:

• Eric MacLeish on Church Accountability: "Law was too powerful. No one could believe that priests were molesting children."
• R.C. Stevens on Organized Crime: "They meet the criteria for RICO...transporting children across state lines for sex."

Guests

• Eric MacLeish: Attorney who represented many clergy abuse survivors.
• Ann Barrett Doyle: Founder of Bishop Accountability, advocating for comprehensive investigation into clergy abuse cases.
• R.C. Stevens: Former State Trooper and investigator of abuse networks.

Resources & Support:

• For Survivors:  RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at 1-800-656-HOPE.
• Additional Information: Visit Bishop Accountability for detailed records of abuse cases.
• Support the Podcast: Visit Open Investigation Podcast for more details.

Closing Thoughts: If this episode has stirred memories or emotions, remember that support is available. By sharing these stories, we hope to empower others to seek healing and justice. Join us next time on Open Investigation as we continue to search for answers and uncover the truth behind these harrowing stories.

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Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

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

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The Other Boston Sex Scandal - Ep 3

What if the institutions you trust to protect the vulnerable were instead their worst predators? Join us on a harrowing journey through the Boston Sex Scandal of the 1970s, where systemic failures and nefarious networks allowed the exploitation and trafficking of children to flourish. We'll uncover the tragic story of Dick Bavley a social worker who betrayed his duty to protect, and explore John Mitzel's pro-pedophile book, "The Boston Sex Scandal," which reveals how the man/boy love movement attempted to attach itself to the legitimate gay rights movement.

Unearth the dark origins of the Revere boy sex ring and expose the involvement of influential figures like Father Paul Shanley and millionaire Roger Spear. Through firsthand accounts and detailed investigations, we shed light on the hidden network of abuse that permeated Boston during that era. Our episode underscores the importance of reporting child sex abuse and provides the National Sex Abuse Hotline for those in need, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and supported.

We wrap up by examining the broader implications of these sordid revelations, highlighting the systemic failures and cover-ups that protected perpetrators. Hear the courageous story of John Sweeney, a survivor who shares his painful experiences, and learn about the unsolved cases of missing and murdered children linked to these dark networks. By supporting our podcast through Patreon, you help us continue to raise awareness and seek justice for the survivors. This episode is a solemn tribute to those who have come forward and a reminder to all survivors that they are not alone.

National Sexual Assault Hotline
Ex-Students File Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Newton Boarding School
Unholy Communion. Vanity Fair Article on Fr. Paul Shanley
Bishop Accountability - Database Tracking Clergy Abuse

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Pandora's Box: Episode 2


As she begins researching suspects in Andy’s disappearance Melanie learns the main suspect, Wayne W. Chapman confessed to another boy’s murder! We explore the story of 6-year-old David Louison who was abducted in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1974 and whose remains were recovered in 1980. We learn the similarities between Andy’s and David’s cases. Both boys had a young child who witnessed their abduction. A child who tried to tell adults what they had seen but were initially dismissed. The search for both boys was called off prematurely based on advice from local law enforcement. We hear the effects of trauma directly from an archival interview with David’s parents, Mel and Naomi Louison.

 
As Melanie learns about David she realizes Andy’s case is not an anomaly. She finds other cases of missing boys that resemble Andy’s like Leigh Savoie who disappeared from Revere, MA in 1974 and has never been found. And Jimmy Teta who was from Revere, MA and whose remains were found on a roadside in NH. Jimmy, Andy, Leigh and David have similarities in their cases. Another boy, Cliff Pisano is abducted around the same time as Leigh from the same location but survives to have his story told and his abductor incarcerated. 

 
Melanie begins using data to tell a story. She researches missing and murdered children’s cases from the 1970s and begins building the first of its kind database documenting the cases. She brings the cases to the attention of District Attorneys, the Attorney General, local law enforcement, the FBI and the United States Attorney. Some of the cases, like Jimmy Teta’s, are reopened after decades of inactivity. 

This episode signifies the turning point in the story when Melanie realizes Andy is not the only child missing in MA, that there are dozens of others some of whom, like Denise Cochrane, weren’t even counted in the state’s data.

Next time on Open Investigation: The Other Boston Sex Scandal, Episode 3
follow the investigation as we reveal a child trafficking ring in MA in the 1970s that includes doctors, teachers and millionaires. 


National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Now You See Suffolk Campaign
Mass State Police Unresolved Case Unit
Timeline of Events in this episode

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Return to Andy: An Update to the Disappearance of Andy Puglisi Ep 1

We return to the investigation into the disappearance of Andy Puglisi a decade after the HBO documentary, Have You Seen Andy?, was released. This episode is structured around intimate conversations between Melanie and Andy’s mother, Faith, as they review information they realize is relevant now but may not have back when the documentary was broadcast. 

Melanie uncovers new information as she picks up the investigation. The first question she asks is who were the “five known pedophiles” at the pool when Andy was abducted? She believes Andy may have been stalked before he was abducted, possibly for child pornography aka CSAM. She explores Wayne W. Chapman’s penchant for expensive camera equipment and hears from a witness who observed Chapman’s dark room. She reveals never before published audio of Wayne W. Chapman’s police interrogation. We learn how the advent of digital media allowed Melanie to uncover new evidence in the complicity of Wayne W. Chapman in the abduction of Andy Puglisi. We also hear from one of Chapman’s victims who realizes serendipity likely saved his life.

The episode culminates in Melanie sharing details of other known sex offenders in Lawrence at the time Andy vanished.

Wayne W. Chapman died in October of 2021. He continued to deny any involvement in the disappearance of Andy Puglisi.
 
Show Links
Have You Seen Andy website with timeline
Wayne W. Chapman About to Be Released is Arrested Again
Wayne W. Chapman To Be Released
Wayne W. Chapman Placed Near Andy’s Childhood friend, Melanie McLaughlin
Wayne W. Chapman Dies
Database of Accused Priests

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Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

Episode 0 is the pilot episode of the 8-part investigative podcast series, Open Investigation. This episode introduces the tragic story of 10-year-old Andy (Angelo) Puglisi, who disappeared from a public swimming pool in Lawrence, MA, on August 22, 1976. The podcast is hosted by Melanie Perkins McLaughlin, Andy's childhood friend, who was only nine years old when she was with him the day he vanished. When the search for Andy was called off after just six days, Melanie made a promise to herself and Andy that she would one day try to find him.

In 2007, Melanie's HBO documentary Have You Seen Andy? premiered, and in 2008, it won an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism. The documentary, currently streaming on MAX, was initially intended to help re-open Andy's investigation allowing Andy's family and the community to move forward by sharing Andy's story. However, it unexpectedly opened a Pandora's Box, revealing dozens of other unsolved cases of missing and murdered children from the 1970s.

With unique access, decades of investigative research, including hundreds of hours of documentary footage, rare audio recordings, police and court records, and research notes, Melanie reopens the investigation. She shares the culmination of her work, aiming not only to reopen other cases but also to emphasize trauma-informed, victim-centered justice for victims, survivors, and their families.

Following the pilot, each episode delves into new information that updates not only Andy's story but explores the cases of dozens of other missing children, several of which have been reopened by law enforcement as a result of this investigation. The series also documents the history of child trafficking in America.

Show Links

Have You Seen Andy streaming on MAX

Have You Seen Andy website

Mass State Police UnResolved Case Unit

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The Vanished Podcast: Episode 454 Andy Puglisi: Open Investigation

The Boston Globe Series featuring Andy Puglisi's Case

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Coming September 2024 | Open Investigation is an 8-part series updating the HBO Max documentary, Have You Seen Andy? featuring dozens of unresolved cases of missing and murdered children and the history of human trafficking in the United States. 

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Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy