The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "sexual cult" ...
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Polygamy in Arizona
These stories are the latest in the investigation Dougherty began in 2002, which uncovered widespread sexual abuse within a religious society that coerces underage girls into polygamous unions with much older men. In these stories, Dougherty discovered that the sect was in the process of relocating to Eldorado, TX. He also found that the community is afflicted by a rare genetic disorder as a result of its history of inbreeding. Finally, the stories discuss the relationship between the state and the community, especially in the state-funded school district which employs a lot of community people.
Tags: Colorado City; Mormons; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; sexual abuse; child abuse; cults; state government; local government; polygamy; sect
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Fear of the Faithful
The authors investigation involved the Seattle based "Tridentine Latin Rite Church", viewed as a cult by former members and ostracized by the Catholic Church. There had been allegations of sexual abuse and questions into the use of fear and strict discipline. The authors also followed the efforts made by one family to get their mother out.
Tags: Tridentine Latin Rite Church; cult; sexual abuse; Seattle; religion; FOIA
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Children of God
What began with the video diary of Ricky Rodriguez, a former child member of the religious sect "Children of God," led to an in-depth investigation into the group's history of sexual abuse of its child members. Rodriguez, the son of the group's religious leader was so distraught over the abuse that he murdered the woman he claimed had sexually abused him as a child before killing himself. Though the organization officially claims that its practice of having sex with children ended in 1986, this investigation documents the group's attempts to quiet their disturbing past.
Tags: religious sect; religion; sexual abuse; child molestation; Family International; sexual cult
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Cult of Madness
The Dallas Observer reports on a woman whose therapy made her insane. Martha Hurt sought psychiatric help for marriage problems and depression, what she would up with were memories of sexual abuse and over 200 personalities. The article follows hurt through the dissolution of her relationship with her parents, husband and children to her lawsuit against the therapists she now believes made her sicker than when she came to them. Martha Hurt is just one of many women who have found themselves in similar situations after multiple personality disorder and repressed memories became psychological fads.
Tags: psychology; multiple personality disorder; repressed memories; International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation; False Memory Syndrome Foundation
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Prophet or Profit?
A 25 year old religious group known as Brother Julius is resurfacing in Connecticut. The group is widely known as a cult. Interviewing current and ex-members, they talk about mind control, sexual and mental abuse as well as financial trickery. Documented in this story are leaders trying to recruit new members.
Tags: TAPE
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A Wolf in Shepherd's Clothing?
Insight Magazine reports that "Luke Edwards has been portrayed by some as an antiwelfare messiah who led his people to a promised land of self-sufficiency. But some former members of his church, religious organization and commune contest that image, alleging cult brainwashing, child abuse and sexual improprieties. Edwards says he's the victim of a white conspiracy using blacks to topple one of their own."
Tags: Reach Inc. cult business economic development Holyland Emelle; Ala. Greater Christ Temple
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The Sinful Messiah
Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald breaks the story of the Branch Davidians, a cult led by David Koresh. The story concentrates on Koresh's belief that all women belong to him sexually, the Branch Davidians' arsenal, allegations of child abuse and how local agencies ignored similiar information.
Tags: Bible
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No title (id: 8502)
Mother Jones Magazine reports on the only documented case of child sexual abuse involving satanic cult rituals, even though there have been many claims of such activity all across the country; finds that the person involved is a sheriff's deputy who abused his own daughters, July/August 1991.
Tags: None
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No title (id: 5288)
Hartford Courant investigates Connecticut cult preacher, who claims to be God, coerces female disciples into having sexual relations with him, and extracts money illegally from followers, Nov. 15 - 16, 1987.
Tags: None