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Prevent, punish abuse of trust

Ohioans are justifiably outraged when they learn someone in a position of trust has violated it by victimizing others, often children. But a recent state Supreme Court ruling may be cause for secret celebrations by some of the villains.

In a 5-2 decision, the court tossed out the conviction of a former police officer who had been convicted of having sex with a 14-year-old boy. The ex-officer, Matthew T. Mole, had been convicted under a 2007 law aimed specifically at people in positions of public trust, including law enforcement personnel, educators, coaches, members of the clergy, etc.

Supreme court justices ruled the law is unconstitutional because it imposes higher standards on such people than on the general public.

But any predators ready to pop the champagne corks ought to save their money.

In their written opinion, justices made one thing very clear. Referring to Mole’s case, they stated the Constitution “does not justify differential treatment under the criminal law of peace officers acting as private citizens when there is no connection between the criminalized conduct and the office, duties or other aspects of the occupation of a peace officer.”

In other words, those who victimize others in any way linked to their positions of trust still can be treated more harshly in Ohio. The cop who tears up a ticket in exchange for sex or the teacher who abuses a student still can be in more trouble than members of the general public.

That is appropriate – imperative, in fact. Predators who use their jobs or volunteer activities to harm others should be punished as severely as possible.

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