Fallen Angels: A Story of California Corruption

Paul Pringle speaks with Sarah and Charles’ parents, survivors of George Tyndall, professors at USC, and his colleagues at the LA Times about where they are now, what change has – or hasn’t – come as a result of their work, and what accountability looks like today at USC, and The LA Times. 

With the help of scores of survivors, the reporters uncover the grisly details of the doctor’s crimes, and of USC’s culture of coverups. The new leaders at the LA Times stand behind them all the way. The story is published, the outcry is everywhere, and this time, fallout is unavoidable. USC has to reckon with these revelations and take some action. It leads to a major shakeup at the top – though real accountability still seems out of reach. 

A note: The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. The Hotline is a referral service for local rape crisis centers. To reach the hotline, call 1-800-656-4673, or access RAINN's online chat service.

In the wake of the blockbuster Puliafito story, reporter Harriet Ryan receives an anonymous tip about another bad doctor at USC. His crimes are shocking, and far reaching. And as the reporters discover, it’s another terrible story covered up by USC – this one for decades.

The Puliafito story finally lands, and it’s a bombshell. USC goes into damage control mode, while the leadership of the LA Times seem to forget the months of contentious edits, and bask in the acclaim. But Paul and the other reporters have mobilized to ensure the end of these roadblocks at the paper. Meanwhile, more damning details about Puliafito continue to surface, including another young woman caught under his influence – with tragic results. 

Sarah and her teenage brother Charles Warren go on the record with Paul to tell the whole sordid story. With a mountain of documents, shocking videos and on-record sources, the reporting team pushes the editors to finally publish. But the top brass continue to dilute and delay, and the reporting team considers taking drastic steps to make sure the story sees the light of day.