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.

Police officers kill an innocent, unarmed black man whose description resembled a rape suspect. The case soon escalates into a public circus, with the police taking sides against A.D.A. Barba, who is feeling political pressure to indict.