Dem Mayoral Candidate With Child Molestation History Tells Voters They’re ‘Wrong’ to Object

Michael English, a Democratic candidate running for mayor of Providence, is addressing renewed attention on a criminal record that includes child molestation convictions from the late 1990s.

English has referred to the actions that led to his convictions as “immature decisions” that resulted in a “period of incarceration.”

According to the Providence Journal, English was 26 when he engaged in a relationship with a 13-year-old.

The outlet reported that after serving a little over a year in prison, English attempted to contact the victim again in 2009.

DEMOCRAT & CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTER RUNNING FOR MAYOR IN RI

Michael English, a Democrat and a CONVICTED child molester, is currently running for mayor in Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1998, English pleaded no contest to sexually molesting a 13-year-old girl. He served ONLY 15… pic.twitter.com/bQ97QD1oDi

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 21, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The Providence Journal reviewed court documents related to the case, as English’s file is not easily accessible and he does not appear on the Rhode Island Sex Offender Registry after successfully appealing the requirement to register.

English told the Providence Journal that he did not know the age of the victim at the time of the initial offense.

Court records reviewed by the outlet state that the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office alleged English engaged in sexual acts with the victim between January and March 1997.

The indictment said he lived in North Providence and met the girl at various places in Cumberland, North Smithfield, and Lincoln, including the Lincoln Mall.

In March 1998, English pleaded no contest to four counts that included first-degree child molestation, second-degree child molestation, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Superior Court Judge Ronald Gagnon sentenced him to 20 years, with 18 and a half years suspended, and ordered him to register as a sex offender.

More than 90% of the sentence was suspended.

In September 2009, the victim reported to police that English had driven to her home and attempted to speak with her, suggesting they get coffee.

He was sentenced to five years in prison in that case. He served a little less than two years before being placed on house arrest for two months, with the remaining portion of the sentence forgiven.

When questioned about his criminal history during his current campaign, English pointed to his academic credentials and experience raising his own children.

Responding to concerns about whether the record should be seen as disqualifying, he told the Providence Journal, “They’d be wrong, legally. They also should calculate what did I do from then.” He also said, “If I’m the bad guy here, God help you all.”

Michael English says child molestation conviction shouldn’t hinder his PVD mayoral run https://t.co/bbsSqnl20R

— Providence Journal (@projo) November 18, 2025

English’s public comments have drawn attention as he seeks office in Providence, with his prior convictions and subsequent re-offense forming part of the scrutiny surrounding his candidacy.