Buckeye Reporter

A former deputy sheriff from Preble County, Ohio, who served as a school resource officer, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Mason Williams, 26, of Eaton was found guilty by a jury for engaging in a sexual relationship with a student, according to an announcement by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Yost commented on the case stating, "You can’t do your job of keeping kids safe at school when you lack the judgment to know that students are off-limits for sexual relationships." He added, "He’s an embarrassment to the badge, and he has rightfully earned the label of sex offender."

Williams was convicted in November on three third-degree felonies: two counts of sexual battery and one count of tampering with evidence. The conviction followed detailed presentations by attorneys from Yost’s Special Prosecutions Section regarding Williams' inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student at National Trail High School where he worked.

Ohio law clearly prohibits individuals in positions of power from engaging in sexual activities with students enrolled at their workplace schools, irrespective of the student's age or any perception of consent.

Following his prison term, Williams will be required to register as a sexual offender for life.