John and Marymae Cioffi, along with their daughter Elizabeth Cioffi, recall what it was like during the McMartin Preschool trials. While Elizabeth never testified during the court proceedings, she maintains that she was abused at her former preschool. Ultimately, no convictions were ever made in the McMartin Preschool molestation case.

At first it appeared to be the biggest child abuse scandal in American history, setting off a nation-wide panic. After three separate trials it seemed like a hoax. But could it have been both?

Danny Davis, the defense attorney for Raymond "Ray" Buckey, discusses representing the former teacher from the McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California. Davis remembers the pep talk he gave Ray, who was accused of molesting children, during the trial. In 1989, a jury found Ray and his mother Peggy McMartin Buckey not guilty on 52 counts of child molestation, but remained deadlocked on 12 molestation charges against Ray Buckey, and a single count of conspiracy against Ray and Peggy. Ray was retried on molestation charges, but again, the jury deadlocked, and a mistrial was declared,

Following reports of child molestation accusations at the McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California, claims of molestation cropped up at schools all over the Los Angeles area. According to reporter Kevin Cody, seven area preschools were closed as panic spread across the nation. In the end, no convictions were ever made in the McMartin Preschool molestation case.

In one of the longest and costliest criminal trials in U.S. history, seven employees from the McMartin Preschool were arrested on more than 300 total charges of child molestation and conspiracy. 

At 2 years old, Elizabeth Cioffi was allegedly abused by employees at the McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California.

On March 22, 1984, seven employees of the McMartin Preschool — including teacher Raymond “Ray” Buckey — were indicted on molestation and conspiracy charges. 

In the summer 1983, mother of two Judy Johnson made a complaint to the Manhattan Beach Police Department that would ignite one of the most infamous criminal investigations in U.S. history. Speaking with an officer, Johnson said she was calling to report that her "2-year-old son has been molested at the McMartin Preschool.”

Defense attorneys from the McMartin Preschool trials reflect on the interview tapes taken at Children's Institute International, a nonprofit in Los Angeles, California, that provides social services. Children from the McMartin Preschool were interviewed about alleged abuse that took place at the school, and the attorneys believe the children were pressured into making claims about molestation.

The Manhattan Beach Police sent a letter to parents of current and former students of the McMartin Preschool, warning them of abuse claims.

John and Marymae Cioffi, along with their daughter Elizabeth Cioffi, discuss the alleged tunnels beneath the McMartin Preschool, where children were purportedly taken to be abused by McMartin teachers and employees. No evidence of tunnels was ever found, and no convictions were ever made in the McMartin Preschool molestation case.

Those involved in the McMartin Preschool trials reflect on the initial report made by mother of two Judy Johnson. In the summer 1983, Johnson made a complaint to the Manhattan Beach Police Department that would ignite one of the most infamous criminal investigations in U.S. history. Speaking with an officer, Johnson said her "2-year-old son has been molested at the McMartin Preschool.”

Defense attorney Danny Davis, who represented Raymond "Ray" Buckey during the McMartin Preschool trials, describes meeting the former teacher. Davis described the investigation as a "witch hunt," and said his relationship with Buckey was one of his "most rewarding." "I fathered my son years before he was born,” said Davis. In the end, Buckey was not convicted in connection with any of the charges.