Sex-offender label upheld in ’consensual’ affair with Ohio teen

COLUMBUS (AP) — The sex-offender label given a man convicted after a “consensual” sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl when he was 21 does not amount to cruel and unusual punishment, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled today.

The court’s 5-2 decision rejected the arguments by Travis Blankenship that the label is unconstitutional because the classification is a significantly harsher punishment than the offense warranted. Blankenship is required to register with authorities every six months for 25 years.

Blankenship pleaded guilty in Clark County Court to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in 2012, served 12 days in jail and was classified as a second-degree sex offender. The sexual relationship began after the two met on a social-media site.

The girl confirmed the relationship was consensual, and a psychologist who analyzed Blankenship before sentencing said he wasn’t a sex offender, according to court records.

After Blankenship contacted the girl before sentencing in violation of court orders, the psychologist re-evaluated him but didn’t alter his original recommendation, records show.

Nothing in the law supports Blankenship’s argument that his guilt should be reduced because the maturity level of a 21-year-old is similar to that of a juvenile, wrote Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger for the majority.