Ep 9. Small Town Sex Scandal

In this episode of 20/20, titled "Small Town Sex Scandal," the small town of Poyen, Arkansas is rocked by scandal when allegations of sexual misconduct come to light involving a popular high school coach and a number of underage students.

Reporter Matt Gutman delves into the case, uncovering the sordid details of the alleged abuse and the aftermath that has left the community reeling. The coach in question, Ronnie Gipson, had been a beloved figure in Poyen for decades, known for his long tenure coaching both basketball and football at the high school. But when rumors began to circulate about inappropriate behavior with his young players, the town was plunged into controversy.

Using interviews with key players in the case, including a number of the alleged victims, their families and members of the community, "Small Town Sex Scandal" explores the complex web of emotions and accusations that swirled around the case. Gutman also speaks with law enforcement personnel who worked on the case, detailing the investigation that led to Gipson's eventual arrest.

In addition to investigating the specific allegations leveled against Gipson, "Small Town Sex Scandal" also raises broader questions about sexual abuse and the ways in which small town communities confront accusations of misconduct. Through testimony from experts in the field, as well as local activists, the episode sets the Poyen case within the larger context of a national conversation about abuse and the devastating toll it can take on victims and communities alike.

Throughout "Small Town Sex Scandal," Gutman balances the emotional weight of the story with a nuanced exploration of the facts, painting a complex and powerful portrait of a town struggling to cope with the fallout from alleged abuse. As the investigation unfolds, viewers will be left wondering who knew what, when, and why more wasn't done to prevent the abuse in the first place.

Overall, "Small Town Sex Scandal" is a gripping, thought-provoking episode of 20/20 that illuminates the darker corners of small town life, and the ways in which communities must confront their own demons in order to move forward.