Undue Influence, False Claims and the Credibility of Witnesses: The McMartin Preschool Case
The McMartin Preschool case, a well-known child sexual abuse case, serves as a pivotal example of how undue influence can compromise the credibility of witnesses and create false claims. Despite not a single conviction, this 28-month trial holds the record for being the most protracted and expensive criminal prosecution in U.S. history. Moreover, it is often regarded as the catalyst for the surge in pre-school sexual abuse cases during the mid-1980s. If you are facing serious allegations of sexual assault, child molestation, child pornography or more, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
“It is critical to remember that it was supposedly loving relatives, law enforcement and mental health experts that helped to convince literally hundreds of children that they were actually sexual assault victims when they weren’t.”
Background:
In August 1983, a 2 1/2 year-old boy's mother notified the police that her son had been abused by Raymond Buckey at the prestigious McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California. This school was founded by Ray's grandmother, Virginia McMartin, in the 1960s. Ray's mother, Peggy McMartin Buckey, served as an administrator, while his sister, Peggy Ann Buckey, assisted at the pre-school during school breaks. Ray was the only male teacher at the facility.
Ray's Arrest and the Allegations:
Ray was initially arrested but was subsequently released due to insufficient evidence. However, the child's mother persisted in her accusations, alleging that her son exhibited physical signs of abuse upon returning home from the pre-school. She also claimed that her son had witnessed satanic rituals at the school. Subsequently, the police sent letters to 200 parents of current and former students, informing them about the ongoing investigation and soliciting information regarding potential molestation incidents involving their children.
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Expanded Allegations and Therapy Interviews:
Following the dissemination of the letters, parents began questioning their children. A multitude of children began recounting stories of abuse at the preschool, including inappropriate touching, unauthorized photography, forced engagement in sexual acts, and participation in a game known as "Naked Movie Star." This prompted interviews and examinations of numerous children by so-called specialized therapists trained in identifying signs of sexual abuse. The implicated individuals included Peggy Ann Buckey, other teachers, as well as Ray. As time progressed, the allegations escalated, incorporating accounts of sinister satanic rituals and hidden underground chambers beneath the school. However, no evidence of such passageways was ever discovered. Some of these interviews were captured on tape and presented as evidence during the trial.
“So-called specialized therapists trained in identifying signs of sexual abuse were brought in and, surprise, they determined that there was sexual abuse where there was none.”
Arrests, Trials, and Acquittals:
In March 1984, Ray, along with his sister Peggy Ann, mother Peggy, grandmother Virginia, and three other teachers, were rearrested. However, charges against Virginia, Peggy, and the other teachers were dropped in 1986 due to lack of evidence. The first trial involving Ray and his mother took place between April 1987 and April 1989, resulting in partial acquittals and a hung jury on other charges. Ray faced a second trial in 1990, which also ended in a deadlock on all counts. Ultimately, the prosecutors decided not to pursue a retrial. While Ray had spent five years in prison and Peggy had spent two, their guilt remained unestablished.
Impact and Lessons Learned:
The extensive and sensationalized McMartin case caught the attention of the national media and continues to be referenced as a prime example of the complexities and pitfalls associated with children's testimony as well as undue influence. Jurors from the first trial, when interviewed after the verdict, revealed that the videotaped interviews with the children played a crucial role in their failure to find the McMartins guilty. They expressed concerns that suggestive interview techniques had clouded their ability to discern the truth and acknowledged a belief that some of the children may have experienced abuse but the State failed to prove their case.
“Just because an expert claims that the behavior is consistent with somebody being abused doesn’t mean that they actually were. There are lots of reasons people, including children, tell the stories they do.”
Conclusion:
The McMartin Preschool case serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental impact undue influence can have on witness credibility. The accusations, bolstered by suggestive interview methods, expanded far beyond the initial allegations, ultimately leading to prolonged trials, lengthy imprisonments for some defendants, and a lack of conclusive evidence against them. As we reflect on this case, it remains essential to exercise caution and employ responsible investigative practices when dealing with delicate matters such as child sexual abuse allegations.
If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, make sure you consult with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your life is on the line, how much is the truth worth?