Editor’s note: This summary is adapted from an Oct. 29 NPR News Hour transcript of reporting by Rachel de Leon, of The Center for Investigative Reporting
A 13-year-old Florida girl was forced to take extraordinary measures to prove her claims of sexual abuse after law enforcement dismissed her allegations. The case, occurring in Polk County, raises significant concerns about systemic failures in handling abuse cases and how survivors are treated by authorities.
A Childhood of Trauma and Injustice
The girl, removed from her birth mother’s care due to violence and neglect, was adopted by her great uncle, Henry Cadle. Soon after, she alleged, the abuse began. The girl disclosed the incidents to a trusted adult at her church, prompting an investigation by local child welfare agencies and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
However, instead of being treated as a victim, the survivor faced disbelief. Detective Melissa Turnage, assigned to the case, approached her with skepticism, questioning her credibility and accusing her of fabricating the story. Citing a lack of evidence, the authorities dropped the case against Henry and charged the survivor with lying to the police. With no legal representation and under pressure from her adoptive mother—Henry’s wife—the survivor pled guilty and received probation.
Proving the Truth on Her Own
A year later, the survivor reported another incident of abuse. Determined to be believed this time, she meticulously collected her own evidence using her phone, including photographs and video. This new evidence reopened the case under Detective Joel Dempsey, who described Taylor’s efforts as extraordinary.
The evidence was compelling enough to secure a conviction. Henry Cadle was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual battery of a minor, and the survivor’s earlier criminal charges were overturned. Despite this outcome, she received no apology from the authorities who had doubted her.
The Larger Picture
The survivor’s case is emblematic of a broader issue. Survivors of abuse often face systemic barriers to justice, particularly when authorities fail to conduct thorough investigations or approach victims with a trauma-informed mindset. Research shows that only a small percentage of children fabricate claims of abuse, yet survivors with challenging backgrounds are more likely to be disbelieved.
Other high-profile cases, such as those involving Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, further illustrate how systemic failures can allow abusers to continue harming others while survivors struggle to be heard. Experts like forensic specialist Jerri Sites advocate for better training in trauma-informed practices and forensic interviewing to prevent such miscarriages of justice.
Survivors need to be met with empathy and justice rather than suspicion. By adopting trauma-informed practices and addressing systemic biases, law enforcement can begin to rebuild trust and provide the support survivors deserve.
