Sexual offender fights to go to school

SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN) - A teen sex offender, struggling mental disorders, is also struggling to find a school to attend.

Nick may be 18, but he has the mind of a 13-year-old. Nick was diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. He's also bi-polar and has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. On top of that, he's a registered sexual predator. The Springboro teen was convicted of rape at 14 after he attacked a 13-year-old female classmate.

A psychologists said that Nick was not be a threat to anyone and his mother Elizabeth said her child deserves a second chance.

"Talking to my son in private at night, you know he'll sit and cry and say 'mom why can't I be in school,'" she said. "I've been told point blank over the phone that no matter what he was, any registration of a sex offender cannot go to Springboro schools."

Springboro Superintendent David Baker said it's not appropriate for a tier three sex offender to be on Springboro's main campus.

"I think the parents would support me 100 percent," he said.

Baker said Nick has other education alternatives.

"Wright State University had done an excellent job of cooperating with us on post secondary option and students who may or may not have some type of a disability," he said. "That's certainly an option. But we're not going to deny this young man of a education, we just say it's not appropriate on our campus."

Elizabeth said life for her son Nick has completely unraveled and Nick has no friends because of being house bound.

Right now, Nick only receives four hours of instruction a week from a tutor. His state proficiency test scores are poor, showing he does not meet the proficiency standard. His mother believes public school is Nick's best chance to learn.

"All I ask is give Nick a chance," said Elizabeth. "Do it on a trial basis. Give us 60 or 90 days to let Nick try school."