Did Daddy Do It?

Focusing on the case of Frank Fuster, a Cuban-American who has so far served 17 years of a life sentence for the sexual abuse of children, this Frontline documentary makes a strong case for Fuster's innocence, suggesting he was the victim of a sex abuse hysteria that swept the country during the 1980s. What makes this case particularly chilling is the involvement of Janet Reno, then Dade County state attorney, who was also involved in two other disturbing Florida child sexual abuse cases. Fuster's then 17-year-old wife, Ileana, cared for preschoolers in their home to bring in extra money, as did Miami police officer Grant Snowden's wife, and 14-year-old Bobby Finje, who took care of children in a church Sunday school. The testimony in all three cases relied on tainted, suggestive interviews conducted by the husband/wife team of Laurie and Joe Braga, who reportedly persisted until the children told them what they wanted to hear. The central figure in the video is Ileana, who although held naked in solitary confinement for much of the time after her 1984 arrest (she was terrified of Reno, who she claims sometimes visited her cell at night) maintained her and her husband's innocence for nearly a year. Eventually a pair of psychologists from an operation called Behavior Changers told Ileana that she must have repressed the memories, which ultimately led to her breaking down and accusing Fuster of putting a gun in her vagina, a crucifix in her rectum, and other horrific acts. In 1994, Ileana, who had been deported to her native Honduras, retracted her accusations, then switched again under pressure, and now has come forward to tell the truth, but it is unlikely she will be allowed to do so in court. Unlike Snowden, who was finally released, Fuster remains in prison. An excellent documentary that should be required viewing for psychologists, criminologists, sociologists, and anyone interested in how a modern-day witchhunt evolved, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (M. Pendergrast)