I want to be absolutely clear that I am not, nor have I ever been, a sexual predator. When I was 17 years old, I was arrested for statutory rape because my girlfriend at the time was a fellow high school student. While I understand the importance of laws designed to protect minors from exploitation, my situation was never one of coercion, manipulation, or predatory behavior. We were two teenagers in a consensual relationship, only a couple of years apart in age, yet due to the strict application of the law, I was charged despite the mutual nature of our relationship.  

It is crucial to recognize that not every case involving a statutory charge is the same. The term "sexual predator" implies someone who deliberately targets and exploits vulnerable individuals, which does not apply to my situation. I was a high school student dating someone close in age, and at no point was there any force, deceit, or inappropriate power dynamic. Unfortunately, the law did not account for the reality of teenage relationships, and I was labeled in a way that does not reflect who I am or the circumstances of my case.  

Since that time, I have worked hard to live a responsible and ethical life, demonstrating through my actions that I am not a danger to anyone. I have failed on a few occasions, but this one legal issue does not define my character or my intentions, and I ask that people take the time to understand the full context rather than making assumptions based solely on the charge or simply being listed on the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry. I respect the law and the importance of protecting young people, but I also believe that cases like mine should be viewed with fairness and understanding.