DATES IN THE McMARTIN CASE

These are important dates in the McMartin Pre-School case:

September, 1983: Police notify McMartin parents of an investigation. Raymond Buckey arrested after a mother said her 2-year-old child had been molested. Buckey is later freed.

March, 1984: Four McMartin family members and three other former teachers are indicted. Raymond Buckey is arrested a second time.

August: A preliminary hearing for all seven defendants begins. Among the early issues is whether children will be allowed to testify on closed-circuit television.

January, 1985: The first of 41 child witnesses begins testimony, saying he was molested and photographed by his teachers during “naked games.” Others tell of sexual abuse, threats, animal sacrifices; one testifies he was forced to drink the blood of a rabbit.

June: Many counts are dismissed against all seven defendants.

December: Municipal Judge Aviva K. Bobb rests the defense’s case, surprising attorneys for both sides.

Jan. 7, 1986: Bobb reverses herself and defense reopens case.

Jan. 9: All seven defendants ordered to stand trial on 135 counts of conspiracy and molestation.

Jan. 11: District attorney’s office says two of three prosecutors were removed from case--Glenn Stevens and Christine Johnston.

Jan. 16: Prosecutors drop charges against five defendants. Raymond Buckey and his mother, Peggy McMartin Buckey, will be tried on 101 child molestation counts.