Law & Order Special Victims Unit s02e11 Episode Script
Abuse
In the criminal justice system sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
We spent $2 million on this video.
They better give it heavy rotation.
Any word on Ricki's new album? Heavily pop.
Hear they're holding it back for the London concert.
Jared's still on tour, but Ricki's on her way here.
You know recording sessions, always running late.
Where's the birthday boy? Corbin? My assistant forgot to pick up a card.
He's probably I think I know where he is.
Hey, Ashley, have you seen your brother? No.
Sarah, where's Corbin? I saw him heading off to the bathroom, five minutes ago.
What the hell is he doing here? No! Oh, no.
Corbin, are you all right? Let me go.
Stop! Wait! Come back! Corbin! Honey.
Talk to the mother yet? Her people will let us know when she's ready.
That's her, in the leather.
I want him arrested.
There'll be a full investigation.
He molested my son.
How many active investigations are you two running? Twelve open rapes, I just got a call from the boys upstairs.
Make room for a VIP case.
Who? Ricki Austin believes her son's molester was responsible for his death.
Paper doesn't mention anything about a sex angle but it talks about straight vehicular.
It goes on at great length to say that Ricki was female vocalist of the year, two years running.
The boy was chasing the man who had molested him in a restroom.
Stranger or acquaintance? Former teacher.
Someone he trusted.
They tried for years to have kids before they adopted Corbin and the second they did Ricki got pregnant, they have a little girl named Ashley.
Hey, I read People.
She was that girl singing at county fairs who snagged Jared Black of Black Plague, rock 'n' roll's bad boy.
Rolling Stone.
So when do we roll out the red carpet? One Police Plaza says you are to go to them.
David Russo he was Corbin's computer teacher.
We hired him to tutor privately.
Here you go, honey.
Did you witness them coming out of the bathroom? Corbin came out crying.
Were they alone in there? Yes.
Corbin's dead because of him.
I want him charged with murder.
We can't promise you anything, but trust me no one serves harder time in prison than child molesters.
I did everything I could to keep him away from Corbin.
He had a restraining order.
What had he done? He was inappropriately affectionate.
Constantly touching him.
Did you talk to Corbin about it? We fired Russo, we thought that was the end of it.
But when I came back from tour, he was here in this house with Corbin.
And that's when we took out the restraining order.
Was anyone present during the tutoring sessions? The nanny, Sarah.
Were you with them at all times? I have Ashley, too.
I came in and out.
And when they were together what did you see? He hugged him, all the time.
Anything beyond that? Kisses.
On the forehead, the cheek.
And just the way he looked at Corbin.
It wasn't teacherly.
When Mr.
Russo dropped by did Corbin seem upset or throw a temper tantrum? Hi Ashley, right? What are we hiding from? So, what do you do when you're not hiding under there? School and lessons.
Yeah, what kind of lessons? Tap, piano, ballet, and singing.
Wow.
You're a lucky little girl.
Yeah.
Did you ever take computer lessons? I was gonna start, but the tutor stopped coming.
Did you know Mr.
Russo? Yeah, but we weren't friends like him and Corbin.
Hey, what happened there? That's an accident.
What kind of accident? Ashley, did somebody hurt you? That was an accident, too.
You ready? Okay, well, I gotta go.
Maybe we can talk again sometime.
I'll look for you here or under the sofa, how about that? I forgot your name.
It's Det.
Benson but you can call me Olivia.
I'll see you later.
Nanny said Russo was here four, sometimes five days a week.
Dedicated.
Yeah, especially considering he was only paid for two.
How'd you do? Ashley claims that she didn't have much contact with Russo but her wrist was hurt and she had bruises on her thigh.
I think it's about time we talk to this tutor.
Yeah.
If you're looking for David, you missed him.
You know where he was going? No.
He was crying.
Really? Any idea why? No, do you? How well do you know Mr.
Russo? I know enough to know he was around more lately.
During school hours.
I think he got fired.
Does he have a lot of company? A girlfriend maybe? All I ever see are kids.
In his apartment? Coming in and out of here all the time.
I say we stick a uni outside his apartment and pick him up the second he gets home.
Based on what? Kids going into their tutor's apartment his hugging Corbin? 'Cause at this point, that's all we've got.
When he snuck into that party, he violated the order of protection.
We've got criminal contempt charge.
It's a misdemeanor, he'll be out in two hours.
We can do better than that.
He's seeing kids in that apartment alone.
We need more ammunition before we bring him in.
And he was fired.
Let's find out why the school didn't want him teaching kids anymore.
David was great with the students.
We were sorry we had to let him go.
Why did you? Cutbacks.
Looks like you're operating on a shoestring budget.
What's tuition here about $10,000 a kid? $17,000.
You fired Russo a week after Ricki Austin let him go.
Bad for business, if parents catch wind you have a pedophile on staff.
I don't believe we did.
Teaching meant everything to David.
When he came here he said our system was obsolete and personally donated a dozen new computers.
On a teacher's salary? This was his first teaching assignment.
Where was he before this? Vanross Piller Investments.
He was their computer whiz kid.
When your trading system takes a dump on a volatile stock day you pray for a Russo.
So he had a pretty important position? VP in MIS.
You mind decoding that? Management Information Systems.
He designed all the company's software and he was just as knowledgeable about hardware.
A double threat.
Must have been sad to see him go.
Sad is when the Dow swings But he wanted to work with kids.
Just out of curiosity, what does an MIS VP make? Starts at a $150,000.
Masks are on the counter.
Did you finish with the celebrity's kid? He's in the fridge.
The parents' "people" have been raising holy hell to have him released.
Any signs of sexual abuse? No fluids, no tearing, no restraint marks, no bruising.
Yeah, fondling wouldn't leave any marks.
Actually, take a look for yourself.
This seem odd to you? He bit his nails.
Down to the nub.
See this rash on his wrist? Stress-related eczema.
Plus, his back teeth are ground down.
What was this kid so anxious about? So, where are we? Single white male, late 20s, highly educated.
Gotta be around kids.
And a computer whiz.
Somebody with a hankering for Internet kiddie porn? That's why we're pulling Russo's LUDs.
If we get his service provider we can find out if he's been hitting the sites.
Maybe downloading, which would nail him.
All right.
Get on it.
How was Corbin's relationship with his father? My guess is minimal.
Jared's been on tour longer than the Stones.
Kid's always with nannies.
Leaving him wanting for a male authority figure.
Like a teacher.
Speaking of which, we pulled Russo's LUDs.
Don't tell me he wasn't up to something on that computer.
It's cyber evidence.
That doesn't prove that he molested Corbin.
We don't have Forensics yet, we have no eyewitness and we don't have a living victim to make a statement.
That we know of.
What do you say we talk to the kids he tutors? He's way cool.
Everybody wanted Russo.
Yeah? You got a computer at home? Doesn't everybody? I guess they do.
So, why would you go over to his place to take lessons? He has the ultimate system.
So, you know, you're over there, did he ever get you know, get physical with you? Ever wrestle around with you? Mr.
Russo? No.
He ever hug you? No.
Okay, when's the last time you saw him? Last week, at soccer practice.
Yeah, what was he doing? Just watching.
And then he stayed after to talk to Corbin.
Okay.
Seth, that's it, man, I got no more questions for you.
He violated his restraining order twice.
Let's get a warrant.
Somebody's skipping town.
Two seconds ahead of the search warrant.
Pedophile on the run.
Look at this.
It's a shrine.
He must have been following his every move.
What are you doing here? Teaching you the meaning of a restraining order.
David Russo, you're under arrest.
What are you doing with these? Some of these are two years old before you even started teaching.
Before you even met Corbin.
He was an accessory.
Like their diamonds or Grammys.
A trophy kid to pull out for photo-ops.
Mr.
Russo you got that job at Crestborne so you could be near him, didn't you? Yes.
And a tutoring position so you could be alone with him? They were horrible parents.
And I told them so.
Why do you think I got fired? Mr.
Russo, we know why you were fired.
What'd you do with Corbin? I listened to him, I encouraged him.
You loved him.
Why'd you bring him in the bathroom? What? No you can't be thinking You were obsessed with him You don't understand.
They wouldn't let me near him.
You stalked him.
No, I was leaving town.
You were his teacher, you gained his trust.
You knew about his birthday.
You found out where his party was.
You molested him.
No! Your whole world revolves around this little boy.
Now, why is that? Explain that to me.
Because he's my son.
The tutor tells you he's your daddy.
That's gotta mess with a kid's head.
Russo says he never told him, out of just that concern.
A considerate psycho.
He got a girl pregnant at 17 put the baby up for adoption, signed away all his rights.
Ten years later, it's still nagging at him.
So Mr.
Computer starts searching the Net.
Where he gets a hit on a famous couple with an adopted boy fixates on it being his.
The guy's not budging off his story.
Then lets give him a little push.
Get on the adoption agency, and put a rush on the DNA.
Still, we don't have a living CW, an eyewitness or forensics.
No confession, no case No excuses.
I've got media sniffing around and the brass chomping at my ass.
I want this closed yesterday.
SVU, Detective Benson.
Ashley, are you okay? We'll be right there.
Hi, there.
Olivia.
Hi.
What happened? I fell.
Where? My stairs at home.
Who was with you? Nobody.
Feel.
That's a goose egg, all right.
Ashley you would let me know if there was anything that I could do to stop these accidents, wouldn't you? You can't help accidents.
No parents? Jared's probably on a plane back from Europe.
And Ricki? Recording studio.
She's back working already? People have different ways of dealing with grief.
Yeah, well, her kid's in the hospital.
Why the hell isn't she here? I can't.
Everyone who works for them signs a confidentiality agreement.
I could lose my job and be sued.
Fair enough.
Where were you when Ashley fell? Packing up Corbin's room.
I didn't want to drag Ashley through that.
How long have you worked for them? A year.
And in that time, how many accidents has Ashley had? She's had accidents all her life.
You don't know how many I've prevented Sarah.
Shouldn't you be with Ashley? Yeah.
What are you doing here? Ashley called us.
We thought we'd come down and check in on her.
I'm sorry she bothered you.
I won't let it happen again.
Sarah.
Please, I really can't talk to you.
What's going on with Ashley? You know, a criminal investigation supersedes a confidentiality agreement.
Now, if somebody's hurting this little girl No, you misunderstood what I said.
I don't think we did.
Who are you covering for? Please, don't do this to me.
Is it Ricki? Is it Connie? Just tell us who it is.
Called three times.
Who? Maureen? Not yours, yours.
What? Who, Ashley? What happened? Is she okay? No, she saw the new NSYNC video and was sadly disappointed, as was I.
She just called to chat.
It's not funny, Munch.
Yeah, well try this.
The adoption agency and the DNA results confirm it.
David Russo is Corbin's biological father.
Let's close this puppy out.
We can't.
Why? Someone might be abusing the sister.
Don't do this to me.
Who? We don't know.
Who made the complaint? No one.
But this kid has got a long history of accidents.
And? She says they're accidents.
We can't just fabricate child abuse cases.
Especially with high profiles.
Captain, the nanny was this close to giving something up to us.
Just let us have one more shot at her.
The case is closed.
Leave them alone.
Captain, we need to inform Ricki about Russo.
Do it by phone.
Okay, we're in, we're out.
We're not even supposed to be here, right? Olivia! Hey.
Ashley, you're in the middle of a lesson.
This is one of my best friends and I hardly ever get to see her.
You've got 10 minutes left.
Actually, Ashley, I need to talk to your mom, anyway.
So I'll come say goodbye before I leave, okay? Come on.
Are you her piano teacher? No, I'm her new nanny.
What happened to Sarah? I'll take care of this.
What's your fascination with our nannies? Just how many you go through.
We thought we'd just drop by to let you know Russo's been cleared.
What? In fact, he's Corbin's birth father.
That can't be.
DNA tests confirmed it.
It was a closed adoption.
He must have broken some law to find him.
No.
Was he planning to extort money? No.
He just wanted to make sure that his son was loved.
Don't be naive.
Wait and see how quickly he sells his story.
Ricki didn't even register relief when she found out that Corbin hadn't been molested.
We did drop a bombshell on her.
Excuse me, they took her away.
Who? Immigration.
Immigration took her away.
Okay, are you talking about Sarah? She got deported? Is that what you're saying? I'm worried about the little girl.
Okay, why? Why? No, I have to go now.
But, miss, please, you need to talk to us.
No, I can't.
What the hell is going on in that house? You had no business going back to that house.
We were in the neighborhood.
I dragged him there.
You have no grounds for an investigation.
Captain, they're covering something up.
They're celebrities people pick through their garbage tape their cell phone conversations sell their intimate secrets.
Covering up is second nature to these people.
Elliot.
Boss, read the ME's report on the boy.
Just talk to her.
That kid was a nervous wreck about something.
It's hot in the limelight and this boy never asked to be there.
Doesn't explain away Ashley's injuries, or the fact that the one person who decides to talk about them gets deported.
And we need to interview her.
She's in England.
What do you want? Air fare? We'll take $4 for the tunnel.
We already checked.
She's still at the INS detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
I begged you to leave me alone.
We're sorry.
The agent gave me Ashley was still at school I didn't get to say goodbye.
Sarah, there's nothing more that they can do to you but Ashley is still in that house.
Please, tell us who's hurting her.
I only wish it were that simple.
Her own mother doesn't have time for her.
The longer she's away, the more hyper Ashley gets.
I called Children's Services once, anonymously.
They do drugs.
Not just Jared.
Ricki, too.
You saw Ricki doing drugs? No.
But I've seen her looking stoned.
What about that incident you reported? Ricki's accident.
She fell asleep at the wheel and hit a post.
One of the rare times she had the kids with her.
Was anyone hurt? The kids weren't, thank God.
They were whisked away before the police arrived.
Ricki went to the hospital.
What happened with Children's Services? Ricki had it all tidied up before they even started looking.
Yeah, but there has to be a police report.
There has to be hospital records.
Power and money can make anything go away.
I understand you were the attending the night of Ricki Austin's car accident.
It was nothing.
Checked and released.
Any complications? Yeah, I had to get through the hospital's VIP liaison and three of her handlers before I could examine her.
I'm wearing a lab coat.
Who'd they think I was? Obviously a reporter in disguise.
The story never made the papers.
Celebrities have to use pseudonyms or the hospital would be overrun with fans.
What name does Ricki usually use? Sorry, it's doctor-patient privilege.
So, what were the extent of her injuries? Off the record.
Minor.
Head laceration and a bloody nose.
Way we heard it, she was babbling incoherently.
She was shaken up from the accident.
Minor as it was.
You do a tox screen? No.
You come in with those exact symptoms at Bellevue it's automatic.
If you'll excuse me, I have rounds.
Different treatment for the rich and the poor.
What's new? Same hospital they brought Ashley.
Be nice to look at her medical history.
It's never gonna happen without a subpoena.
Ashley acts out.
I'm very fond of her, but she's very disruptive in class.
Class clown disruptive? She talks through class and gets upset when other students won't talk back.
She's starved for attention.
Positive or negative, it doesn't matter.
She starts fights with the slightest provocation.
Does Ashley have a lot of accidents at school? She's fallen off bleachers, playground equipment.
She's always showing off.
"Look at me" accidents.
So what have you done about her? When she disrupts class, I send her to the steps.
You make her run steps? No, out here.
When a student gets in trouble they're sent to step one, for a 10 minute time-out.
Second offense, step two.
Ashley's a repeat step three offender.
I think she needs help, not punishment.
So do I.
I sent letters home, they were never answered.
I finally took it to the headmaster.
We've met him.
What did Parsons do? He told her parents Ashley had to see a therapist or be expelled.
Is therapy helping? She's not getting therapy.
It didn't sit well with her parents.
But, hey, they did donate a new library.
Where does that leave Ashley? Out on the steps.
Anyone gets close to helping her, Ricki buys a wall to block them off.
And I think we've definitely hit ours.
There's gotta be something that we can do.
What? They don't abuse her, they don't criminally neglect her.
They don't love her.
What? How many unloved kids you think there are in this city? It's not an SVU case anymore.
You just gotta let it go.
Yeah, right.
Hold on.
I got the 2-7 on three.
They've got Ashley.
Why? What happened? She just walked in to the desk sergeant, then asked for you.
Okay, put her through.
Remember our little talk yesterday? She's reaching out to me, what am I supposed to do? Have a uni drive her home.
This is Benson.
Hey, can somebody watch her? We'll be there in about 10 minutes.
Okay.
Don't look at me.
Olivia.
Hey.
They left you in here all by yourself? Officer Garvey came in for a minute, but she had to go.
She wasn't that much fun anyway.
Ashley did something happen? Are you okay? Yeah, I just wanted to see you.
Didn't you have school today? I ditched, then I took a cab here.
Ashley.
They must have called your mother by now I'm sure she's worried sick about you.
She doesn't care.
She's probably going out of her mind.
I'm taking you home, let's go.
No, I wanted us to hang out today.
We can't, I'm working.
But I won't get in your way, I promise.
I can help you.
Ashley, you know how you can help me you can help me by never ever doing this again.
Do you understand that? Now let's go, come on.
No.
Ashley.
Ashley, you're bleeding.
I'm okay.
Is your mother home? She never is.
Come on, okay? # But I wish I loved you then # # The way I love you now ## Ashley Austin Black, you get in here.
Why do you do this to me? Let me see it.
Miss Austin, is there a place we could speak privately? Detective, you really shouldn't have gone out of your way.
My driver would have picked her up.
Olivia doesn't mind.
She's my friend.
It's important that we speak.
This is not a good day.
Ricki, we've only got the studio till 4:30.
We still have two tracks to lay down.
Honey, look, why don't you just go in the green room with Connie and you have her get you something to eat, okay? But can't I stay with you? No honey, mommy's working.
Then can Olivia stay with me? No, she can't.
Now just go, okay? Thank you, Detective.
Okay, let's try it again.
She calls all the time.
What happens when you have to hang up? At first she begs to talk, just for a few more minutes and then when I have to go, she just She sounds so depressed.
When you first met, how much time did you spend together? Just a few minutes.
It sounds like reactive attachment disorder.
It is very common in orphans who are abandoned during their crucial bonding cycle.
They meet complete strangers and they form instant relationships.
So it's not just my sparkling wit? I have one patient who meets a stranger and she goes up and hugs them.
She goes to the market and tells the checkout girl that she loves her.
That fits.
But Ashley keeps getting hurt.
It's part of the package.
And it could escalate.
Is there treatment? I could start her on corrective attachment therapy but, Olivia, I'd have to see the mother and daughter together.
It's never gonna happen.
If she's in imminent risk, Children's Services could mandate therapy.
I'm sorry.
Come on, there's gotta be something that you can do? For emotional abuse? No.
Ricki was reported before for the car accident.
You did nothing about that, either.
You're busting my shoes over this? I'm handling 32 families.
I've got babies with skull fractures, 10-year-old prostitutes.
I understand that, I handle the same cases.
But that shouldn't mean that this little girl has to fall through the cracks.
Look, it's not that I don't care.
But with a high-publicity mom like that I could spend weeks just trying to get an appointment.
Okay, so do it.
I've got a kid in the burn ward about to die.
It's triage.
You tell me who should get my attention the most your one girl or my battered 30.
Please ask Ricki to call me when she gets in.
Thank you.
Olivia! Hey, kiddo.
I can't believe you came.
How you doing? You have to come see my room.
Next time, sweetheart.
No, please, just for a minute? No, I gotta go.
Ashley, she can't come in.
Let's go.
No.
No, really, sweetheart.
I gotta go, next time.
No.
Ashley, come inside.
No, not without Olivia.
Make her come in.
She can't.
Ashley.
No.
Ashley! Stop! Give her to me.
Let go of me.
Give her to me.
It's okay.
Get her inside.
No! What's the matter? What are you doing here? Your daughter needs help.
I talked to a psychologist who You did what? This psychologist can help her.
The thing is, she needs to see the both of you together.
Leave us alone.
Ricki, your daughter needs help.
Get away, before I call the police.
Miss Austin, I am the police.
Then it's damn lucky I have my own security.
Morning, Olivia.
This doesn't look like the makings of a pleasant day.
Ashley's called already, six times.
What's wrong? Don't ask.
Benson, you're on desk duty.
Captain, I can explain.
You can't follow my orders on the street, you try keeping my files straight.
Captain And in case anyone else here has Det.
Benson's hearing problem read my lips or buy the CliffsNotes.
No one is to go near Ashley Black again.
That includes her family, school, house, and any employees therein.
You can't do this.
Somebody's gotta help her.
Really.
Well, thanks to you, now none of us can.
It's a restraining order against the whole unit.
Alex, you can't imagine how needy this little girl is.
"Needy?" Olivia, we do sex crimes and child abuse.
I'm sorry, but there's not much we can do for the emotionally short-changed.
What about abandonment? Her parents tour nine months out of the year.
Her father is a documented alcoholic.
And what about Corbin? That was a traffic accident.
The autopsy report lists physical evidence of long-term stress.
He internalized, she externalizes.
You're speculating.
Not about Ashley's disorder.
Ashley's tantrums, her running away, her accidents.
It could only escalate.
Olivia, why are you doing this? Because this kid is in trouble.
We might have imminent risk of harm.
There must be something that you can do about that.
Maybe, but we still have one major hurdle.
Are you trying to get fired? Because that's the only option I have left.
Would I put myself on the line if I didn't know what was in store for this little girl? She's been hurting herself for years.
We can subpoena her medical records.
And her teacher and the headmaster.
They saw the problem, but did nothing about it.
Parents wouldn't let them.
What are you thinking? An Article 10 proceeding.
We can remove the girl from the home.
That is gonna play great in the press.
It's family court, not criminal.
And I've already made a couple of phone calls.
There isn't a less disruptive avenue? None that Ricki can't circumvent.
She's already circumvented us.
We're under a restraining order.
It's an active investigation.
I'll get it lifted.
Do it.
Olivia! No, please, don't do that.
Ashley, honey, look at me.
I want you to go with Det.
Stabler.
It's okay.
I want you to go with Det.
Stabler, okay? Honey, come.
Please, no.
It's okay, I'll be right out.
I don't wanna go with you.
I wanna stay with Olivia.
Let go of me! This isn't fair.
Let go of me! This warrant charges you with impairment of emotional health Article 10, Section 1024, of the Family Court Act.
Impairment of what? You do have the right to be present at a hearing on Thursday at which time a judge will determine Ashley's placement.
Why are you doing this to me? This isn't about you, it's about Ashley.
I'll be back in a minute.
So? Nothing.
Anything? That's it.
I'm empty.
No family member will take her.
No one wants to lose their meal ticket.
So what happens now? Emergency foster care for tonight.
Where? There's room at Laight Street.
I'll drop her off.
No, I'll drive her there.
Can we go home to your house now? Sweetie, we're not going to my house.
What? But you came and got me.
You don't want me to live with you? It's not that, Ashley it's just that my house isn't set up for kids.
That's okay.
And even if it was I'm hardly ever there.
You know, my work, it just It takes up all my time.
You understand that, Ashley, don't you? What are you still doing here? You drop her off at Laight Street? Yeah.
Never been there before.
It's a room filled with a dozen cots.
It's been about a month now, hasn't it? Since what? Your mom.
Where did that come from? Olivia, it's me.
I know the issues you had with her.
No.
No connection.
Successful woman, rarely home, when she was home, she was drunk.
You were lonely and neglected and you never had a chance to resolve the thing before she died? You're wrong.
I'll get you a coffee.
Your Honor, James Woodrow for the respondents, Ricki Austin and Jared Black.
I'm filing a 1028 application to return the minor to her parents.
Fine.
I'll hear that right now.
Your Honor, we feel that I'm gravely distressed by the fact that police bypassed this court and took the extreme measure of removing a minor from her home.
You Honor, the minor has a chronic history of self-injurious behavior casually linked to the home situation Save it for later.
I promise we won't forget about you.
Mr.
Woodrow, you're up.
I call Ricki Austin.
We were dirt poor so I always swore that if I made any money I was gonna spend all of it on my children.
I wanted them to have everything they ever wanted.
Everything I never had.
In order to do that you've been very driven in your career, haven't you? I'm a workaholic.
I admit it.
Has that kept you from loving your daughter? No.
Ashley was my miracle baby.
My first song to become number one, was about her birth.
Sixteen million people could relate to a mother's love.
Is that domestic or worldwide? Your Honor We have contempt charges here in family court also, Miss Cabot.
The woman who started these proceedings Detective Benson.
How did she become involved in your life? When I lost my son, Corbin I was out of my mind with grief.
I was convinced that a man had been hurting him and she was one of the detectives assigned to the case.
And during the investigation did it become necessary to take out a restraining order? Objection.
Overruled.
I had to.
Det.
Benson became obsessed with Ashley.
Miss Austin, did you ever grow concerned over the inordinate number of injuries your daughter has? Ashley's full of life.
It's hard to contain that energy.
I mean, all kids have accidents.
I know I always did.
Kids will be kids.
On July 13, 1996, Ashley sprained her wrist.
Where were you? I It was a long time ago, I know.
Maybe this will help.
It's your tour schedule for the last five years.
I gave a concert in Chicago.
And on December 9, 1997? The German leg of my European tour.
Also the date Ashley dislocated her elbow.
Where were you for her multiple rib fractures? What date is that? Dates.
I said multiple.
March 23, 1998, August 9, 1999.
Stop it.
There are also lacerations to the upper and lower extremities.
Objection.
A periorbital fracture, various foreign bodies lodged in her ears a fractured left femur.
Stop it.
Objection! Contusions and abrasions to the forehead, chin, hands and knees.
That's enough, Miss Cabot.
All of these injuries correlate to dates you were away.
You never saw them as a desperate cry for Mommy to come home? I love my daughter.
I loved both of my children.
I gave them the best of everything.
The best schools, the best nannies, the best home.
I did everything I could for them.
No further questions.
You may step down, Miss Austin.
Bailiff, bring in the child.
Hello, Ashley.
Hi.
Do you know why you're here today? Do you know Det.
Benson? She used to be my friend.
"Used to be?" I wanted to live with her.
But she didn't want me.
My daddy's home.
I am ordering the minor be returned to her parents.
But the Article 10 will continue.
I am recommending that ACS monitor the home, and set up family counseling.
I want a status report in one month.
There won't be much to report, Your Honor because she begins a three-month tour next week and her daughter needs to be in school.
Ms.
Austin? I'll postpone that tour, Your Honor.
Wise decision.
I want you to know that my only concern was for Ashley.
You ever get near her again, I'll have your badge.
Gorgeous! How is it out there in the real world? Give him a few more days to cool off.
He'll let you off ass-duty.
Just in time for my hearing in front of the disciplinary committee.
I see them next week.
Was it worth it? I don't know.
I think it woke her up.
Son of a bitch.
What? Ricki Austin played to a sold-out crowd in London last night.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
We spent $2 million on this video.
They better give it heavy rotation.
Any word on Ricki's new album? Heavily pop.
Hear they're holding it back for the London concert.
Jared's still on tour, but Ricki's on her way here.
You know recording sessions, always running late.
Where's the birthday boy? Corbin? My assistant forgot to pick up a card.
He's probably I think I know where he is.
Hey, Ashley, have you seen your brother? No.
Sarah, where's Corbin? I saw him heading off to the bathroom, five minutes ago.
What the hell is he doing here? No! Oh, no.
Corbin, are you all right? Let me go.
Stop! Wait! Come back! Corbin! Honey.
Talk to the mother yet? Her people will let us know when she's ready.
That's her, in the leather.
I want him arrested.
There'll be a full investigation.
He molested my son.
How many active investigations are you two running? Twelve open rapes, I just got a call from the boys upstairs.
Make room for a VIP case.
Who? Ricki Austin believes her son's molester was responsible for his death.
Paper doesn't mention anything about a sex angle but it talks about straight vehicular.
It goes on at great length to say that Ricki was female vocalist of the year, two years running.
The boy was chasing the man who had molested him in a restroom.
Stranger or acquaintance? Former teacher.
Someone he trusted.
They tried for years to have kids before they adopted Corbin and the second they did Ricki got pregnant, they have a little girl named Ashley.
Hey, I read People.
She was that girl singing at county fairs who snagged Jared Black of Black Plague, rock 'n' roll's bad boy.
Rolling Stone.
So when do we roll out the red carpet? One Police Plaza says you are to go to them.
David Russo he was Corbin's computer teacher.
We hired him to tutor privately.
Here you go, honey.
Did you witness them coming out of the bathroom? Corbin came out crying.
Were they alone in there? Yes.
Corbin's dead because of him.
I want him charged with murder.
We can't promise you anything, but trust me no one serves harder time in prison than child molesters.
I did everything I could to keep him away from Corbin.
He had a restraining order.
What had he done? He was inappropriately affectionate.
Constantly touching him.
Did you talk to Corbin about it? We fired Russo, we thought that was the end of it.
But when I came back from tour, he was here in this house with Corbin.
And that's when we took out the restraining order.
Was anyone present during the tutoring sessions? The nanny, Sarah.
Were you with them at all times? I have Ashley, too.
I came in and out.
And when they were together what did you see? He hugged him, all the time.
Anything beyond that? Kisses.
On the forehead, the cheek.
And just the way he looked at Corbin.
It wasn't teacherly.
When Mr.
Russo dropped by did Corbin seem upset or throw a temper tantrum? Hi Ashley, right? What are we hiding from? So, what do you do when you're not hiding under there? School and lessons.
Yeah, what kind of lessons? Tap, piano, ballet, and singing.
Wow.
You're a lucky little girl.
Yeah.
Did you ever take computer lessons? I was gonna start, but the tutor stopped coming.
Did you know Mr.
Russo? Yeah, but we weren't friends like him and Corbin.
Hey, what happened there? That's an accident.
What kind of accident? Ashley, did somebody hurt you? That was an accident, too.
You ready? Okay, well, I gotta go.
Maybe we can talk again sometime.
I'll look for you here or under the sofa, how about that? I forgot your name.
It's Det.
Benson but you can call me Olivia.
I'll see you later.
Nanny said Russo was here four, sometimes five days a week.
Dedicated.
Yeah, especially considering he was only paid for two.
How'd you do? Ashley claims that she didn't have much contact with Russo but her wrist was hurt and she had bruises on her thigh.
I think it's about time we talk to this tutor.
Yeah.
If you're looking for David, you missed him.
You know where he was going? No.
He was crying.
Really? Any idea why? No, do you? How well do you know Mr.
Russo? I know enough to know he was around more lately.
During school hours.
I think he got fired.
Does he have a lot of company? A girlfriend maybe? All I ever see are kids.
In his apartment? Coming in and out of here all the time.
I say we stick a uni outside his apartment and pick him up the second he gets home.
Based on what? Kids going into their tutor's apartment his hugging Corbin? 'Cause at this point, that's all we've got.
When he snuck into that party, he violated the order of protection.
We've got criminal contempt charge.
It's a misdemeanor, he'll be out in two hours.
We can do better than that.
He's seeing kids in that apartment alone.
We need more ammunition before we bring him in.
And he was fired.
Let's find out why the school didn't want him teaching kids anymore.
David was great with the students.
We were sorry we had to let him go.
Why did you? Cutbacks.
Looks like you're operating on a shoestring budget.
What's tuition here about $10,000 a kid? $17,000.
You fired Russo a week after Ricki Austin let him go.
Bad for business, if parents catch wind you have a pedophile on staff.
I don't believe we did.
Teaching meant everything to David.
When he came here he said our system was obsolete and personally donated a dozen new computers.
On a teacher's salary? This was his first teaching assignment.
Where was he before this? Vanross Piller Investments.
He was their computer whiz kid.
When your trading system takes a dump on a volatile stock day you pray for a Russo.
So he had a pretty important position? VP in MIS.
You mind decoding that? Management Information Systems.
He designed all the company's software and he was just as knowledgeable about hardware.
A double threat.
Must have been sad to see him go.
Sad is when the Dow swings But he wanted to work with kids.
Just out of curiosity, what does an MIS VP make? Starts at a $150,000.
Masks are on the counter.
Did you finish with the celebrity's kid? He's in the fridge.
The parents' "people" have been raising holy hell to have him released.
Any signs of sexual abuse? No fluids, no tearing, no restraint marks, no bruising.
Yeah, fondling wouldn't leave any marks.
Actually, take a look for yourself.
This seem odd to you? He bit his nails.
Down to the nub.
See this rash on his wrist? Stress-related eczema.
Plus, his back teeth are ground down.
What was this kid so anxious about? So, where are we? Single white male, late 20s, highly educated.
Gotta be around kids.
And a computer whiz.
Somebody with a hankering for Internet kiddie porn? That's why we're pulling Russo's LUDs.
If we get his service provider we can find out if he's been hitting the sites.
Maybe downloading, which would nail him.
All right.
Get on it.
How was Corbin's relationship with his father? My guess is minimal.
Jared's been on tour longer than the Stones.
Kid's always with nannies.
Leaving him wanting for a male authority figure.
Like a teacher.
Speaking of which, we pulled Russo's LUDs.
Don't tell me he wasn't up to something on that computer.
It's cyber evidence.
That doesn't prove that he molested Corbin.
We don't have Forensics yet, we have no eyewitness and we don't have a living victim to make a statement.
That we know of.
What do you say we talk to the kids he tutors? He's way cool.
Everybody wanted Russo.
Yeah? You got a computer at home? Doesn't everybody? I guess they do.
So, why would you go over to his place to take lessons? He has the ultimate system.
So, you know, you're over there, did he ever get you know, get physical with you? Ever wrestle around with you? Mr.
Russo? No.
He ever hug you? No.
Okay, when's the last time you saw him? Last week, at soccer practice.
Yeah, what was he doing? Just watching.
And then he stayed after to talk to Corbin.
Okay.
Seth, that's it, man, I got no more questions for you.
He violated his restraining order twice.
Let's get a warrant.
Somebody's skipping town.
Two seconds ahead of the search warrant.
Pedophile on the run.
Look at this.
It's a shrine.
He must have been following his every move.
What are you doing here? Teaching you the meaning of a restraining order.
David Russo, you're under arrest.
What are you doing with these? Some of these are two years old before you even started teaching.
Before you even met Corbin.
He was an accessory.
Like their diamonds or Grammys.
A trophy kid to pull out for photo-ops.
Mr.
Russo you got that job at Crestborne so you could be near him, didn't you? Yes.
And a tutoring position so you could be alone with him? They were horrible parents.
And I told them so.
Why do you think I got fired? Mr.
Russo, we know why you were fired.
What'd you do with Corbin? I listened to him, I encouraged him.
You loved him.
Why'd you bring him in the bathroom? What? No you can't be thinking You were obsessed with him You don't understand.
They wouldn't let me near him.
You stalked him.
No, I was leaving town.
You were his teacher, you gained his trust.
You knew about his birthday.
You found out where his party was.
You molested him.
No! Your whole world revolves around this little boy.
Now, why is that? Explain that to me.
Because he's my son.
The tutor tells you he's your daddy.
That's gotta mess with a kid's head.
Russo says he never told him, out of just that concern.
A considerate psycho.
He got a girl pregnant at 17 put the baby up for adoption, signed away all his rights.
Ten years later, it's still nagging at him.
So Mr.
Computer starts searching the Net.
Where he gets a hit on a famous couple with an adopted boy fixates on it being his.
The guy's not budging off his story.
Then lets give him a little push.
Get on the adoption agency, and put a rush on the DNA.
Still, we don't have a living CW, an eyewitness or forensics.
No confession, no case No excuses.
I've got media sniffing around and the brass chomping at my ass.
I want this closed yesterday.
SVU, Detective Benson.
Ashley, are you okay? We'll be right there.
Hi, there.
Olivia.
Hi.
What happened? I fell.
Where? My stairs at home.
Who was with you? Nobody.
Feel.
That's a goose egg, all right.
Ashley you would let me know if there was anything that I could do to stop these accidents, wouldn't you? You can't help accidents.
No parents? Jared's probably on a plane back from Europe.
And Ricki? Recording studio.
She's back working already? People have different ways of dealing with grief.
Yeah, well, her kid's in the hospital.
Why the hell isn't she here? I can't.
Everyone who works for them signs a confidentiality agreement.
I could lose my job and be sued.
Fair enough.
Where were you when Ashley fell? Packing up Corbin's room.
I didn't want to drag Ashley through that.
How long have you worked for them? A year.
And in that time, how many accidents has Ashley had? She's had accidents all her life.
You don't know how many I've prevented Sarah.
Shouldn't you be with Ashley? Yeah.
What are you doing here? Ashley called us.
We thought we'd come down and check in on her.
I'm sorry she bothered you.
I won't let it happen again.
Sarah.
Please, I really can't talk to you.
What's going on with Ashley? You know, a criminal investigation supersedes a confidentiality agreement.
Now, if somebody's hurting this little girl No, you misunderstood what I said.
I don't think we did.
Who are you covering for? Please, don't do this to me.
Is it Ricki? Is it Connie? Just tell us who it is.
Called three times.
Who? Maureen? Not yours, yours.
What? Who, Ashley? What happened? Is she okay? No, she saw the new NSYNC video and was sadly disappointed, as was I.
She just called to chat.
It's not funny, Munch.
Yeah, well try this.
The adoption agency and the DNA results confirm it.
David Russo is Corbin's biological father.
Let's close this puppy out.
We can't.
Why? Someone might be abusing the sister.
Don't do this to me.
Who? We don't know.
Who made the complaint? No one.
But this kid has got a long history of accidents.
And? She says they're accidents.
We can't just fabricate child abuse cases.
Especially with high profiles.
Captain, the nanny was this close to giving something up to us.
Just let us have one more shot at her.
The case is closed.
Leave them alone.
Captain, we need to inform Ricki about Russo.
Do it by phone.
Okay, we're in, we're out.
We're not even supposed to be here, right? Olivia! Hey.
Ashley, you're in the middle of a lesson.
This is one of my best friends and I hardly ever get to see her.
You've got 10 minutes left.
Actually, Ashley, I need to talk to your mom, anyway.
So I'll come say goodbye before I leave, okay? Come on.
Are you her piano teacher? No, I'm her new nanny.
What happened to Sarah? I'll take care of this.
What's your fascination with our nannies? Just how many you go through.
We thought we'd just drop by to let you know Russo's been cleared.
What? In fact, he's Corbin's birth father.
That can't be.
DNA tests confirmed it.
It was a closed adoption.
He must have broken some law to find him.
No.
Was he planning to extort money? No.
He just wanted to make sure that his son was loved.
Don't be naive.
Wait and see how quickly he sells his story.
Ricki didn't even register relief when she found out that Corbin hadn't been molested.
We did drop a bombshell on her.
Excuse me, they took her away.
Who? Immigration.
Immigration took her away.
Okay, are you talking about Sarah? She got deported? Is that what you're saying? I'm worried about the little girl.
Okay, why? Why? No, I have to go now.
But, miss, please, you need to talk to us.
No, I can't.
What the hell is going on in that house? You had no business going back to that house.
We were in the neighborhood.
I dragged him there.
You have no grounds for an investigation.
Captain, they're covering something up.
They're celebrities people pick through their garbage tape their cell phone conversations sell their intimate secrets.
Covering up is second nature to these people.
Elliot.
Boss, read the ME's report on the boy.
Just talk to her.
That kid was a nervous wreck about something.
It's hot in the limelight and this boy never asked to be there.
Doesn't explain away Ashley's injuries, or the fact that the one person who decides to talk about them gets deported.
And we need to interview her.
She's in England.
What do you want? Air fare? We'll take $4 for the tunnel.
We already checked.
She's still at the INS detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
I begged you to leave me alone.
We're sorry.
The agent gave me Ashley was still at school I didn't get to say goodbye.
Sarah, there's nothing more that they can do to you but Ashley is still in that house.
Please, tell us who's hurting her.
I only wish it were that simple.
Her own mother doesn't have time for her.
The longer she's away, the more hyper Ashley gets.
I called Children's Services once, anonymously.
They do drugs.
Not just Jared.
Ricki, too.
You saw Ricki doing drugs? No.
But I've seen her looking stoned.
What about that incident you reported? Ricki's accident.
She fell asleep at the wheel and hit a post.
One of the rare times she had the kids with her.
Was anyone hurt? The kids weren't, thank God.
They were whisked away before the police arrived.
Ricki went to the hospital.
What happened with Children's Services? Ricki had it all tidied up before they even started looking.
Yeah, but there has to be a police report.
There has to be hospital records.
Power and money can make anything go away.
I understand you were the attending the night of Ricki Austin's car accident.
It was nothing.
Checked and released.
Any complications? Yeah, I had to get through the hospital's VIP liaison and three of her handlers before I could examine her.
I'm wearing a lab coat.
Who'd they think I was? Obviously a reporter in disguise.
The story never made the papers.
Celebrities have to use pseudonyms or the hospital would be overrun with fans.
What name does Ricki usually use? Sorry, it's doctor-patient privilege.
So, what were the extent of her injuries? Off the record.
Minor.
Head laceration and a bloody nose.
Way we heard it, she was babbling incoherently.
She was shaken up from the accident.
Minor as it was.
You do a tox screen? No.
You come in with those exact symptoms at Bellevue it's automatic.
If you'll excuse me, I have rounds.
Different treatment for the rich and the poor.
What's new? Same hospital they brought Ashley.
Be nice to look at her medical history.
It's never gonna happen without a subpoena.
Ashley acts out.
I'm very fond of her, but she's very disruptive in class.
Class clown disruptive? She talks through class and gets upset when other students won't talk back.
She's starved for attention.
Positive or negative, it doesn't matter.
She starts fights with the slightest provocation.
Does Ashley have a lot of accidents at school? She's fallen off bleachers, playground equipment.
She's always showing off.
"Look at me" accidents.
So what have you done about her? When she disrupts class, I send her to the steps.
You make her run steps? No, out here.
When a student gets in trouble they're sent to step one, for a 10 minute time-out.
Second offense, step two.
Ashley's a repeat step three offender.
I think she needs help, not punishment.
So do I.
I sent letters home, they were never answered.
I finally took it to the headmaster.
We've met him.
What did Parsons do? He told her parents Ashley had to see a therapist or be expelled.
Is therapy helping? She's not getting therapy.
It didn't sit well with her parents.
But, hey, they did donate a new library.
Where does that leave Ashley? Out on the steps.
Anyone gets close to helping her, Ricki buys a wall to block them off.
And I think we've definitely hit ours.
There's gotta be something that we can do.
What? They don't abuse her, they don't criminally neglect her.
They don't love her.
What? How many unloved kids you think there are in this city? It's not an SVU case anymore.
You just gotta let it go.
Yeah, right.
Hold on.
I got the 2-7 on three.
They've got Ashley.
Why? What happened? She just walked in to the desk sergeant, then asked for you.
Okay, put her through.
Remember our little talk yesterday? She's reaching out to me, what am I supposed to do? Have a uni drive her home.
This is Benson.
Hey, can somebody watch her? We'll be there in about 10 minutes.
Okay.
Don't look at me.
Olivia.
Hey.
They left you in here all by yourself? Officer Garvey came in for a minute, but she had to go.
She wasn't that much fun anyway.
Ashley did something happen? Are you okay? Yeah, I just wanted to see you.
Didn't you have school today? I ditched, then I took a cab here.
Ashley.
They must have called your mother by now I'm sure she's worried sick about you.
She doesn't care.
She's probably going out of her mind.
I'm taking you home, let's go.
No, I wanted us to hang out today.
We can't, I'm working.
But I won't get in your way, I promise.
I can help you.
Ashley, you know how you can help me you can help me by never ever doing this again.
Do you understand that? Now let's go, come on.
No.
Ashley.
Ashley, you're bleeding.
I'm okay.
Is your mother home? She never is.
Come on, okay? # But I wish I loved you then # # The way I love you now ## Ashley Austin Black, you get in here.
Why do you do this to me? Let me see it.
Miss Austin, is there a place we could speak privately? Detective, you really shouldn't have gone out of your way.
My driver would have picked her up.
Olivia doesn't mind.
She's my friend.
It's important that we speak.
This is not a good day.
Ricki, we've only got the studio till 4:30.
We still have two tracks to lay down.
Honey, look, why don't you just go in the green room with Connie and you have her get you something to eat, okay? But can't I stay with you? No honey, mommy's working.
Then can Olivia stay with me? No, she can't.
Now just go, okay? Thank you, Detective.
Okay, let's try it again.
She calls all the time.
What happens when you have to hang up? At first she begs to talk, just for a few more minutes and then when I have to go, she just She sounds so depressed.
When you first met, how much time did you spend together? Just a few minutes.
It sounds like reactive attachment disorder.
It is very common in orphans who are abandoned during their crucial bonding cycle.
They meet complete strangers and they form instant relationships.
So it's not just my sparkling wit? I have one patient who meets a stranger and she goes up and hugs them.
She goes to the market and tells the checkout girl that she loves her.
That fits.
But Ashley keeps getting hurt.
It's part of the package.
And it could escalate.
Is there treatment? I could start her on corrective attachment therapy but, Olivia, I'd have to see the mother and daughter together.
It's never gonna happen.
If she's in imminent risk, Children's Services could mandate therapy.
I'm sorry.
Come on, there's gotta be something that you can do? For emotional abuse? No.
Ricki was reported before for the car accident.
You did nothing about that, either.
You're busting my shoes over this? I'm handling 32 families.
I've got babies with skull fractures, 10-year-old prostitutes.
I understand that, I handle the same cases.
But that shouldn't mean that this little girl has to fall through the cracks.
Look, it's not that I don't care.
But with a high-publicity mom like that I could spend weeks just trying to get an appointment.
Okay, so do it.
I've got a kid in the burn ward about to die.
It's triage.
You tell me who should get my attention the most your one girl or my battered 30.
Please ask Ricki to call me when she gets in.
Thank you.
Olivia! Hey, kiddo.
I can't believe you came.
How you doing? You have to come see my room.
Next time, sweetheart.
No, please, just for a minute? No, I gotta go.
Ashley, she can't come in.
Let's go.
No.
No, really, sweetheart.
I gotta go, next time.
No.
Ashley, come inside.
No, not without Olivia.
Make her come in.
She can't.
Ashley.
No.
Ashley! Stop! Give her to me.
Let go of me.
Give her to me.
It's okay.
Get her inside.
No! What's the matter? What are you doing here? Your daughter needs help.
I talked to a psychologist who You did what? This psychologist can help her.
The thing is, she needs to see the both of you together.
Leave us alone.
Ricki, your daughter needs help.
Get away, before I call the police.
Miss Austin, I am the police.
Then it's damn lucky I have my own security.
Morning, Olivia.
This doesn't look like the makings of a pleasant day.
Ashley's called already, six times.
What's wrong? Don't ask.
Benson, you're on desk duty.
Captain, I can explain.
You can't follow my orders on the street, you try keeping my files straight.
Captain And in case anyone else here has Det.
Benson's hearing problem read my lips or buy the CliffsNotes.
No one is to go near Ashley Black again.
That includes her family, school, house, and any employees therein.
You can't do this.
Somebody's gotta help her.
Really.
Well, thanks to you, now none of us can.
It's a restraining order against the whole unit.
Alex, you can't imagine how needy this little girl is.
"Needy?" Olivia, we do sex crimes and child abuse.
I'm sorry, but there's not much we can do for the emotionally short-changed.
What about abandonment? Her parents tour nine months out of the year.
Her father is a documented alcoholic.
And what about Corbin? That was a traffic accident.
The autopsy report lists physical evidence of long-term stress.
He internalized, she externalizes.
You're speculating.
Not about Ashley's disorder.
Ashley's tantrums, her running away, her accidents.
It could only escalate.
Olivia, why are you doing this? Because this kid is in trouble.
We might have imminent risk of harm.
There must be something that you can do about that.
Maybe, but we still have one major hurdle.
Are you trying to get fired? Because that's the only option I have left.
Would I put myself on the line if I didn't know what was in store for this little girl? She's been hurting herself for years.
We can subpoena her medical records.
And her teacher and the headmaster.
They saw the problem, but did nothing about it.
Parents wouldn't let them.
What are you thinking? An Article 10 proceeding.
We can remove the girl from the home.
That is gonna play great in the press.
It's family court, not criminal.
And I've already made a couple of phone calls.
There isn't a less disruptive avenue? None that Ricki can't circumvent.
She's already circumvented us.
We're under a restraining order.
It's an active investigation.
I'll get it lifted.
Do it.
Olivia! No, please, don't do that.
Ashley, honey, look at me.
I want you to go with Det.
Stabler.
It's okay.
I want you to go with Det.
Stabler, okay? Honey, come.
Please, no.
It's okay, I'll be right out.
I don't wanna go with you.
I wanna stay with Olivia.
Let go of me! This isn't fair.
Let go of me! This warrant charges you with impairment of emotional health Article 10, Section 1024, of the Family Court Act.
Impairment of what? You do have the right to be present at a hearing on Thursday at which time a judge will determine Ashley's placement.
Why are you doing this to me? This isn't about you, it's about Ashley.
I'll be back in a minute.
So? Nothing.
Anything? That's it.
I'm empty.
No family member will take her.
No one wants to lose their meal ticket.
So what happens now? Emergency foster care for tonight.
Where? There's room at Laight Street.
I'll drop her off.
No, I'll drive her there.
Can we go home to your house now? Sweetie, we're not going to my house.
What? But you came and got me.
You don't want me to live with you? It's not that, Ashley it's just that my house isn't set up for kids.
That's okay.
And even if it was I'm hardly ever there.
You know, my work, it just It takes up all my time.
You understand that, Ashley, don't you? What are you still doing here? You drop her off at Laight Street? Yeah.
Never been there before.
It's a room filled with a dozen cots.
It's been about a month now, hasn't it? Since what? Your mom.
Where did that come from? Olivia, it's me.
I know the issues you had with her.
No.
No connection.
Successful woman, rarely home, when she was home, she was drunk.
You were lonely and neglected and you never had a chance to resolve the thing before she died? You're wrong.
I'll get you a coffee.
Your Honor, James Woodrow for the respondents, Ricki Austin and Jared Black.
I'm filing a 1028 application to return the minor to her parents.
Fine.
I'll hear that right now.
Your Honor, we feel that I'm gravely distressed by the fact that police bypassed this court and took the extreme measure of removing a minor from her home.
You Honor, the minor has a chronic history of self-injurious behavior casually linked to the home situation Save it for later.
I promise we won't forget about you.
Mr.
Woodrow, you're up.
I call Ricki Austin.
We were dirt poor so I always swore that if I made any money I was gonna spend all of it on my children.
I wanted them to have everything they ever wanted.
Everything I never had.
In order to do that you've been very driven in your career, haven't you? I'm a workaholic.
I admit it.
Has that kept you from loving your daughter? No.
Ashley was my miracle baby.
My first song to become number one, was about her birth.
Sixteen million people could relate to a mother's love.
Is that domestic or worldwide? Your Honor We have contempt charges here in family court also, Miss Cabot.
The woman who started these proceedings Detective Benson.
How did she become involved in your life? When I lost my son, Corbin I was out of my mind with grief.
I was convinced that a man had been hurting him and she was one of the detectives assigned to the case.
And during the investigation did it become necessary to take out a restraining order? Objection.
Overruled.
I had to.
Det.
Benson became obsessed with Ashley.
Miss Austin, did you ever grow concerned over the inordinate number of injuries your daughter has? Ashley's full of life.
It's hard to contain that energy.
I mean, all kids have accidents.
I know I always did.
Kids will be kids.
On July 13, 1996, Ashley sprained her wrist.
Where were you? I It was a long time ago, I know.
Maybe this will help.
It's your tour schedule for the last five years.
I gave a concert in Chicago.
And on December 9, 1997? The German leg of my European tour.
Also the date Ashley dislocated her elbow.
Where were you for her multiple rib fractures? What date is that? Dates.
I said multiple.
March 23, 1998, August 9, 1999.
Stop it.
There are also lacerations to the upper and lower extremities.
Objection.
A periorbital fracture, various foreign bodies lodged in her ears a fractured left femur.
Stop it.
Objection! Contusions and abrasions to the forehead, chin, hands and knees.
That's enough, Miss Cabot.
All of these injuries correlate to dates you were away.
You never saw them as a desperate cry for Mommy to come home? I love my daughter.
I loved both of my children.
I gave them the best of everything.
The best schools, the best nannies, the best home.
I did everything I could for them.
No further questions.
You may step down, Miss Austin.
Bailiff, bring in the child.
Hello, Ashley.
Hi.
Do you know why you're here today? Do you know Det.
Benson? She used to be my friend.
"Used to be?" I wanted to live with her.
But she didn't want me.
My daddy's home.
I am ordering the minor be returned to her parents.
But the Article 10 will continue.
I am recommending that ACS monitor the home, and set up family counseling.
I want a status report in one month.
There won't be much to report, Your Honor because she begins a three-month tour next week and her daughter needs to be in school.
Ms.
Austin? I'll postpone that tour, Your Honor.
Wise decision.
I want you to know that my only concern was for Ashley.
You ever get near her again, I'll have your badge.
Gorgeous! How is it out there in the real world? Give him a few more days to cool off.
He'll let you off ass-duty.
Just in time for my hearing in front of the disciplinary committee.
I see them next week.
Was it worth it? I don't know.
I think it woke her up.
Son of a bitch.
What? Ricki Austin played to a sold-out crowd in London last night.