The Man Behind the Mask

This is an awful story, but she is not the only victim of rape who was further victimized by the police. I had 2 separate roomates in college in La Crosse, WI who were also victimized and abused by the police when they reported their rapes in 2 different years. Women are repeatedly victimized and ostracised for the brutal attacks they suffer, and it is about time that a news story brings that to the light. Whereever my roommates ended up, I pray all the time that they have found some measure of peace in thier lives and are able to enjoy normal healthy relationships.

This story is full of heros. With the exception of the original investigating officers, all were heros. Luckily, reports were made, DNA taken, complaints were filed. These women, O'Leary, newspaper editor and the ever faithful husband. How inspiring.....

wow,when i watch this documentary,i could not stop crying and to date i ask myself the big question,WHY? why would someone do such a horrible act to other people not to talk of your own childhood friend's wife.i did not stop crying because it brought to me a fresh a childhood memory as a kid in African when i witness the rape of a young girl in my town by a rich and famous man.he told me if i ever tell me anyone me and my family will die in jail.even when i told family and friends and she confirmed the rape,no one believed us.God, to this day that poor woman and me who saw what happen that day are bleeding when we hear similar happenings.to the women and all those in this documentary who fought for justice,you are my heroes.and i ask everyone who saw or read this documentary,to stand and fight for injustice against women in this form and all other forms.JANE DOE,you will for ever in my soul,keep on doing what you do.

Powerful story! As a law enforcement officer I am appalled at the original investigation but Chief O'Leary is a hero! About half way through the story I was depressed because I though the predator had gotten away but then the great ending! The husband and wife are people of such great strength. Thanks for televising this story.

thanks Jim God bless you

I cannot believe this guy gets to serve his punishment for two separate crimes at the same time. He's already escaped the rape conviction that he is guilty of. At least they could have made his sentences consecutive. May the 15 years be long and filled with lessons of what it is to be a victim as I'm sure in prison there will be plenty of opportunity to be the victim.

In October of this year it will be 3 years since my rape! I have been dealing with the exact same problem with the Lancaster Police Dept. They treat me like a piece of trash and a liar! I wish I had someone like Date Line to help me get the police involved. It's like being raped all over again every time I talk to them and I hear the bordom in their voices. She is a very brave woman and I only hope one day I also get the justice I deserve!

One question that didn't get answered is: how well did those two Keystone Kops who tried to tell Donna Palumba that she'd be prosecuted know John Regan? The malice they exhibited toward her went far beyond mere ineptitude. It would also be instructive to find out who started spreading the rumors. If it wasn't the two cops, it was probably Regan or someone in his family who knew what he was up to. And I agree with tennisfan. Concurrent sentences amount to a slap on the wrist. I salute Donna Palumba for her courage and her husband for standing by her. If Chief O'Leary doesn't get the National Police Medal or whatever they call it, there really is no justice. The two clowns probably destroyed at least half Waterbury's faith in police, but O'Leary went a long way toward restoring it.

Cheif O'Leary did not have a hunch. They Knew it was a friend. It usually is. They new all of this victims friends, the husbands friends. IT is procedure to cross reference all sexual assault incident and cases. If this Chief had a hunch then he should have profiled all the friends and picked up a cup of all the friends and tested it. He is a liar. He saw the name on the sexual assault report and cross referenced that name in the computer and he found the match. Dateline please do not make a fool of yourself and this country. They should have done this ten years ago. Ask Chief O'Leary how many innocent people he sent to prison and how many rapist he let go because of his mistakes. Diane Morrow

I watched this story and I really feel for them. It's a shame that it takes so long to get justice. They are a beautiful couple and my heart goes to them.

My advice;stay tough and continue with helping others.

Officer Moron told Mr. Palumba that the evidence against his wife was "rock solid." Most likely this was a freudian slip, the slanderous misinformation having been brought in by the rapist himself, "Rocky" Regan. Nice goin', Officer Moron!

just because there is a saying about the boy who cried wolf.. it doesn't mean investigators don't have to do a thorough job when it comes to crimes such as rape. it's the investigator's job to put the pieces together objectively every time