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

Follow: @openinvestigation

Support: Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation

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

Follow: @openinvestigation

Support: Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation

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

Text the show

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

Follow: @openinvestigation

Support: Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation