Michael English, a Democrat with a criminal history involving child molestation, is running for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, reigniting debate over whether past convictions should bar candidates from public office.
English, 54, was 26 when he pleaded no contest in 1998 to four counts of first- and second-degree child molestation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor involving a 13-year-old girl.
He was sentenced to 20 years, with 18½ years suspended and ordered to register as a sex offender. English served just 15 months before his release, according to the Providence Journal.
In 2009, he returned to prison for 19 months after violating a no-contact order involving the same victim.
Court rulings and Rhode Island’s 10-year registration limit have since removed his name from the statewide sex offender registry, though his criminal record remains intact.
English has described his past offenses as “immature decisions” that led to incarceration.
In announcing his candidacy, he highlighted personal growth, citing GED completion, paralegal certification, ministry studies and degrees in international business and ministry earned after his release.
He also emphasized raising two children, mentoring youth and participating in community programs.
Court documents indicate the offenses occurred between January and March 1997 across multiple Rhode Island towns, including North Providence, Cumberland, North Smithfield and Lincoln, with encounters at locations such as the Lincoln Mall.
English has maintained he was unaware of the victim’s age at the time.
Rhode Island law protects child victims’ identities, and cases filed before July 20, 1998, are considered confidential, according to the Providence Journal.
While English’s case was not expunged, the statute restricts public access to details, making it difficult for citizens to fully evaluate historical records.
Campaigning as a centrist Democrat, English has criticized incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley and State Rep. David Morales, the leading contenders in the 2026 race.
He asserts that his local knowledge and life experience give him an advantage and has dismissed concerns about his criminal history.
“They’d be wrong, legally. They also should calculate what did I do from then,” he said.
English previously ran unsuccessfully for legislative office in 1992 and 1994.
His current campaign emphasizes dissatisfaction with city leadership and positions him as a candidate willing to challenge the political status quo, promising a hands-on approach to municipal issues and fiscal management.
Legal experts note that English successfully appealed the requirement for lifetime sex-offender registration.
Courts determined he did not meet criteria for lifetime designation, which applies to “sexually violent predators” or offenders with multiple convictions or aggravated offenses involving force or victims under 14.
English’s educational background includes a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in ministry from United Graduate College and Seminary, and a bachelor’s and master’s in international business from Ashford University.
He stresses that these achievements demonstrate personal transformation and capacity for leadership, while also citing his ongoing volunteer work and mentorship as evidence of rehabilitation.
Portions of English’s criminal file were obtained by The Providence Journal, along with statements from him, illustrating how confidentiality laws intended to protect child victims can limit public understanding of historical criminal records.
English’s mayoral bid has reignited discussion over balancing rehabilitation and public safety in evaluating candidates for office, drawing attention from voters and legal observers alike.
