A 54-year-old man with a documented history of child molestation has launched a campaign for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, despite his criminal past. Michael English, a Democrat, pleaded guilty to molesting a 13-year-old girl in the late 1990s and was released from prison after serving only 15 months of a 20-year sentence. His case, which involved sexual acts with a minor, was reduced due to good behavior, allowing him to serve less time than originally sentenced.

English’s conviction for child molestation in 1998 led to his initial incarceration, followed by additional time in prison after violating a no-contact order with the victim. Despite the nature of his crime, he is not listed on Rhode Island’s Sex Offender Registry due to his record expiring after a decade. The case was shielded from public view under court protection for child victims, though partial access was granted to The Providence Journal upon request.

In his campaign, English attempted to justify his past actions by claiming he made “immature decisions” that led to his arrest and incarceration, citing his failure to live up to potential. He described the relationship with the 13-year-old as an instance where he did not know her age at the time of the crime.

English’s campaign also highlights his educational achievements while in prison, including earning a General Educational Development course, paralegal certification, and degrees in ministry and international business. However, his efforts to rebrand himself as a reformed individual do not negate the fact that he committed a sexual offense against a minor.

Despite claims that disqualifying him over his criminal history would be “wrong” legally, the public is left to question whether a convicted child molester should hold elected office. The campaign’s focus on his educational accomplishments does not address the serious nature of his crime, nor does it mitigate the harm caused to the victim.

The race for mayor in Providence raises concerns about the standards for public officials with criminal records, particularly those who have committed sexual offenses against children.