A missing teenager found beaten and tied up in a college dormitory under construction claims that she was raped by three students, but as the investigation proceeds and information obtained by the police and the press causes her story to unravel quickly, the girl recants. Since Benson remains convinced that a rape did occur, the focus of the investigation shifts to the girl's overly-protective stepfather who has resisted the investigation from its onset. When the girl finally tells the truth about the attack, it becomes apparent that her lies were calculated to protect her innocent stepfather from physical and financial ruin, as another victim of her attacker comes forward.

A recently released convict goes looking for his arresting officer, Fin Tutuola; Carisi tries to get an arrest warrant without a positive suspect ID.