Uproar In Wenatchee

In most ways, Wenatchee is an unremarkable place, a quiet town of 30,000 nestled in central Washington state. But three years ago, Wenatchee was rocked by allegations that scores of adults there had been part of a conspiracy to sexually abuse children. The case resulted in numerous convictions.

Now, many observers are arguing that prosecutors and investigators badly overstepped their bounds, coercing children into making accusations and railroading people into prison. Many of the convictions have been overturned, and the city is being sued.

CBS News 48 Hours takes a look at one of the most compelling chapters in the Wenatchee chronicle, the story of Sam Doggett's battle to clear her parents' name.

In conjunction with the program, CBS.com examines some of the questions surrounding the issue of child sexual abuse.

The Wenatchee Case: A Summary: Is it a conspiracy of child molesters? Or a hysterical reaction by authorities? An overview of the key events.

Was It A Witchhunt? Some say that fear of child sex abuse often produces a paranoid reaction. We talk with an author who has studied the issue extensively.

Email Us! Do you know a great story that you think 48 Hours should cover? Let us know. Or, just tell us what you thought of this week's show and site.

Written and produced by David Kohn.