Several years ago I heard of a story from the 90 or early 2000s related to false memory, testimony of unreliable witnesses, and a man that spent a number of years in jail for something he didn't commit.

The story was related to a young girl, who under hypnosis, recalled a time when her father molested her. The father was a local sheriff and this was at the tail end of the Satanic Panic and the beginning of a movement called "We Believe the Children." The idea was that because children are less likely to lie, there testimony was unquestionably relieble.

The father was question and repeatedly told investigators that he did not remember ever doing what his daughter accused him of, however, he believed what she said and figured himself under a spell or somehow bewitched. In the end< he plead guilty to whatever they charged him with and spend a number of years beyond bars. It was only after some questions were brought up, that he reconsidered his guilt. They found issues with recovered memories in other trials and that lead him to believe himself innocent.

Turns out, he wasn't around during the time period his daughter had the "memories" from. He was out of town or on patrol.

I feel this relevant to the atmosphere of the country at this time. I might have posted this in the wrong group. If so, I will remove it gladly. What I am looking for is if someone else remembers hearing this story. Or even better, if they have a name.

Best wishes to all.