In Defense of the Innocent: How to Respond and Recover When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault, or Other Serious Misconduct in Our New #MeToo World Where Men are Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Not all men are sexual predators, and indeed, some women are the tragic victims of violent sexual assault. Nevertheless, a significant portion of our society has been convinced by a global social justice movement that most men are, in fact, dangerous predators that should be relentlessly pursued and exposed whenever, and by whatever means, possible. However, this book is not intended to change minds or persuade. Instead its purpose is to inform. Specifically, it is intended to empower men and the many women who know them, love them, and/or believe that men are citizens whose rights deserve protection under the law, and should be considered INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

In our #MeToo world few have an appreciation for the rule of law and that which we consider fair and proper justice. Integral to that obligation is that which we call due process. Due Process is both fluid and elusive, depending at all times upon the time, place, who, and what is at stake. We rarely recognize it, until it is taken from us. It is when fairness and equality are denied, that we begin to understand the meaning and importance of it. A fundamental component of due process is the right to be presumed innocent when accused of an actionable offense.

But our notion of due process is under attack. However, this book is not seeking sanctuaries for the guilty, or rationalizing boorish and offensive behavior. Nor is this book intended to change minds or persuade. Instead its purpose is to inform. Specifically, it is intended to inform men and the many women who know them, love them, and/or believe that men are citizens whose rights deserve protection under the law. This book is to help protect and preserve the reputations of the innocent. Its intent is to help end some of the insanity that surrounds and propels the #MeToo movement and diminish its proponents’ ability to destroy innocent people, their future, and our culture. As the chapter titles suggest, with the aid of an extensive appendices and a liberal use of endnotes, the author explores how this destructive force came about, how our system of justice has been shamelessly manipulated and co-opted, and how we, as rational and responsible citizens, can and should respond.

Specifically, this book examines the evolution and current state of the law, its implementation, and most informatively, how the falsely accused should react and defend themselves. The author reveals how schools, institutions of higher-learning, and employers typically conduct internal investigations, what one can expect when falsely accused and that which he can do to prove his innocence and preserve his reputation when necessary.

Here is what a few readers have said about In Defense of the Innocent:

“Mr. Ferraro provides the reader with actionable instructions for the proper conduct of internal investigations as well as expert guidance and tools to those facing false allegations. A must read for all.” —VANESSA SIFONTES, MS, Clinician, Communication Sciences and Disorder

“Mr. Ferraro takes on some of the biggest issues our culture is facing today. Lying, corruption and unsubstantiated accusations have been weaponized to meet political, business and personal goals. The psyche of our modern culture has changed. Mr. Ferraro provides a common sense response, while providing both ethical and personal advice.” —KEVIN DOSS, MS, CPP, PSP CEO, Level 4 Security

“Thank you, Gene. The information you share is powerful to those who may find themselves in this daunting situation—you have given them the key to unlock their nightmare, as well as hope.” —LISA J DOLAN, CPP, Business Owner and Security Consultant

Not all men are predators. This book will reveal why and how the innocent can and should respond when falsely accused of sexual assault or other serious misconduct.

Mr. Ferraro has specialized in the investigation of allegations of behavioral and criminal misconduct for over 32 years. He is the founder and currently the Chief Executive Officer of ForensicPathways, Inc. and frequently lectures and trains on the topic of complex investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, and other serious misconduct in the workplace and schools. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Justice School and a former U. S. Marine Corps Naval Aviator and combat flight instructor. He is board certified in both Human Resources Management (SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations) and Security Management (CPP designation). He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Professional Certified Investigator (PCI). Gene is a member of ASIS International and served on the ASIS Standards and Guidelines Commission for 10 years. He co-chaired the working and technical committees which developed the 2015 national ANSI/ASIS Inv. 2015 Investigations Standard and the 2011, ASIS/SHRM Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention ANSI Standard. He is a licensed professional investigator and is the author of over a dozen books on various aspects of complex internal investigations and investigative interviewing in the private sector. He has competently testified as either a fact or expert witness in over 200 matters in U.S. courts and currently lives in the mountains of Colorado with his wife Shelley, and their four magnificent horses.