Justice Denied

Julian and Thai Wendrow were arrested and jailed for allegedly sexually abusing their mute, autistic daughter. Their children were taken from them and placed in foster homes for several months before prosecutors dropped the charges. The case had been built on typed statements the girl made with the "help" of a school aide using facilitated communication. Authorities later admitted the girl could not communicate.

The Wendrows sued the West Bloomfield, Michigan, police department and got a $1.8 million settlement. They have also sued former Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcya and two assistants. A federal judge ruled the prosecutors had immunity from malicious prosecution but allowed claims that Gorcya defamed the Wendrows to go forward.