I have a friend who pleaded guilty over 15 years ago to Gross Sexual Impostion. To make a long story short he was 19 years old and the girl was 15. This was in the state of Ohio. He has since graduated from college with numerous degrees, but has been not hired for at least six postions because of this coming up on background checks. He didn't qualify for an expungement, but did apply for a pardon. He received 15 letters of recommendation, a letter supporting his pardon from the girl, and a favorable recommendation from the Parole Board.
The girl even stated that the whole incident was blown way out of proportion, and she was not allowed to say anything to the police, and her parents pressured the prosecutor to pursue charges.
The problem is is that the prosecutor opposed the pardon, and he was denied clemency by the governor. The man cannot get a break. He is highly educated, a professional, and due to one unfortunate incident that happened over 15 years ago they are penalizing him for life. He had letters of recommendation, a favorable letter from the girl, and the parole board gave him a favorable recommendation. Where is the justice??
My question is this: Is this a violation of his civil rights? He can't find a decent job because of this. Where are the second chances here? He has never been in trouble since that one incident, and never was in trouble prior to that date. He has since started his own business because he can't do anything else to make a living. He is not even a sexual predator or anything like that. He is catagorized by this when it comes up on background checks. No employer will give him a chance. He was hired by these companies, and then when he was honest and told them about the situation, the HR departments would not go throught with the hiring.
Is there anything he can do about this?? It seems as if murderers, robbers, etc., get more rights than he does. Thank you.

