Open Secret (2024)

This riveting documentary investigates how systemic racism, and child sexual assaults went unreported and covered up for decades in New Hanover County, NC. And how a corrupt power structure, which had dominated this county for years, allowed it. The absolute power of unchecked, local government. A handful of brave citizens decided to confront the one-sided system, in the hope of a 'new tomorrow" - would they fall victim to the same tactics that had controlled the county for decades, or would they succeed? Along the way, there would be suicides, countless sexual abuse scandals, lawsuits, systemic racism, intimidation, threats, targeting, multiple betrayals, cover-ups, lies, collusion, staggering conflicts of interest and multiple lawsuits. The FBI and the SBI (State Bureau of Investigations) would be called in to investigate. Their advocacy methods were shocking, but soon began to pay off. One by one, high-ranking administrators, faculty, lawyers, and associated board members were forced to resign or retire. Many did so in the middle of scandalous headlines relating to intimidation and child sexual assaults - but none were fired. Because that would entail a public explanation. The SBI report was long anticipated by the public who were told it would be released for "full transparency" at the end of the investigation. It was the glimmer of hope this community needed. Perhaps there would be justice for the suffering and traumas their children and families had endured. The shocking turn of events at the reports end would be devastating, but underscored the need for elected officials to be fighting for their community, and not for their ambitions or influential members of the community. Help us bring this cautionary tale into the light and hold those who betrayed their positions in the community, responsible.