Tag Archives: child sexual abuse

Child’s Fabrication of Child Sexual Abuse on the Katie Couric Show


Thomas Kennedy, a Father wrongfully accused of child sexual abuse, sits with his daughter as she explains how very easy it was for her to tell the false tale of sexual abuse. Cassandra, only age 11, at the time she lied and accused her father of sexually abusing her, answers pointed questions by Katie Couric. When Katie asked Cassandra how she was able to concoct such a believable tale, she admits to weaving together fake details from television, a friend’s confiding in her that friend’s own experience with child sexual abuse, and the fact that she had been sexually active.

When asked by Katie how Cassandra could tell her tale so convincingly, Cassandra acknowledged that she made no effort whatsoever to try to be believable. She just made up the story, answered the questions posed to her and followed along with the authorities.

When Cassandra decided to come forward with the truth, she initially disclosed that she had lied to her mother, but feeling the shame of her original lie, she then recanted the truth! This second recantation made her mother believe that the recantation was really false. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence. Recantation is often attributed to a child’s feelings of guilt over the molestation and its disclosure, rather than the child’s feelings of guilt over the lie.

Thomas Kennedy faults his attorney for tactical errors he feels contributed to his conviction. Handling the intricacies of child sexual abuse in the child welfare context undoubtedly requires skilled counsel. If you or someone you know have been accused of child sexual abuse, contact us at http://NewJerseyDYFSdefense.com.

A Father Wrongfully Accused of Rape on the Katie Couric Show


Thomas Kennedy, a father wrongfully accused of raping his daughter, tells his tragic tale on the Katie Couric Show. Thomas, a recovering alcoholic, neglected time with his daughters before he became sober. Unfortunately, post-divorce, his daughter was seeking attention, calling out for help, and this was her plea.

Because Thomas is a recovering alcoholic, Katie Couric asked the question if there was any possibility that he did something – anything – and did not recall it. Thomas maintains that this was impossible, as he never drank when he had custody or care of the children. Apparently, years after the wrongful conviction, the child came forward and recanted the allegation.

The only evidence against Thomas was his daughter’s accusation. In New Jersey, in order for DYFS (child welfare authorities) to rely upon the child’s hearsay statements of abuse, there must be corroboration. N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.46(a)(4). But, in Thomas’ case, his daughter took the witness stand, pointed to him and testified that he raped her.

And, sadly, many people ask the very question that Katie Couric posed to Thomas – why would a child tell such a heinous lie? That natural inclination to wonder makes overcoming such allegations particularly difficult.

Here at http://NewJerseyDYFSDefense.com, we can help parents wrongfully accused of child abuse, including child sexual abuse.

Psychologist Loses License for Fabricating Sex Abuse Allegations


Psychologist Marsha Kleinman has been found guilty of misconduct and malpractice for falsely implanting in young children memories of sexual abuse, which she fabricated. Over the years, this psychologist effectively limited and/or terminated contact between parents and children, premised upon her claims of sexual abuse, which did not occur. A particularly damning piece of evidence was the therapist’s recording of her session with a young child who she coached.

Unfortunately, it is rare for mental health professionals to record their sessions with patients. This, of course, begs the question: what about all of the children who may have been coached by psychologists, but those sessions have not been recorded? What, then, can be done for all of the broken families, fatherless children, who have been manipulated, irreversibly damaged, by such tactics as this psychologist employed? What is their remedy?

This case provides ample evidence of what mental health professionals should NOT do to evaluate and/or treat child sexual abuse. Hopefully, when future allegations of coaching are made against a psychologist, Courts will be less inclined to see the Kleinman case as aberrational and more inclined to take a hard look at the methodology and motivations employed by the professional involved.