My name is Joseph Nicholson, and my story is one of deep regret, transformation, and a commitment to justice and redemption. I know that the title “sex offender” carries a heavy weight, and it’s a label that society views with fear and disdain. But behind this label is a man who has spent 14 years in prison, deeply reflecting on the pain and harm caused by my actions, and dedicating myself to becoming a better person—a person who is now trying to help others avoid the path I took.
I was once a highly touted athlete from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. My family’s name is well respected in the Southeast Pennsylvania sports community, and I was expected to do great things. However, I lost my way. My actions led to a conviction that carried a mandatory 10-year sentence, followed by additional consecutive sentences that totaled 14 years behind bars. During that time, I experienced the deepest pits of despair, but I also found a way to pick myself up, confront my demons, and commit to change.
In 2021, something unexpected happened. My victim approached the Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit and recanted her statement. She admitted that I was not guilty of the most serious charge, the one that led to the mandatory 10-year sentence. Despite this, I was advised by my public defender to drop the post-conviction relief that the DA had told me to file. The reason? Pursuing the truth would have likely been seen as a denial in the eyes of the parole board, effectively dooming my chances for release. Wanting to respect my victim’s wishes to have nothing more to do with the case, and not wanting her to relive this tragedy, I left the matter alone and focused on preparing myself for reintegration.
But now, after my release in November 2023, I feel that the truth should be told. I’m not seeking to absolve myself of responsibility—what I did was wrong, and I own that. But I believe in fairness, in justice that looks at the entire picture, and in the possibility of redemption. My fight is deeper than just my case; it’s about advocating for a justice system that recognizes when it has made a mistake and is willing to correct it.
Today, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, Mindset Coordinator, and Energy Strategist. I work with Tranquil Solutions and Lloyd Douglas, a retired Sergeant with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, to provide coaching and support to individuals struggling with sexual addictions and impulse control disorders. My goal is to reduce recidivism and support the successful reintegration of individuals who, like me, are committed to change.
However, I face a significant barrier—the s.o. registry. Being on the registry hampers my ability to reach a wider audience because many people only see the label of “s. o.” and immediately dismiss what I have to say. Despite being a non-violent offender, I am still perceived as a threat, which undermines my efforts to help others.
I share my story not to seek pity, but to ask for understanding and fairness. I believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a chance to make things right, to contribute positively to society, and to be heard. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can help change the hearts and minds of those who might otherwise dismiss me based on a label alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am committed to making a difference, and I hope that together, we can work towards a justice system that is truly just and a society that believes in the power of redemption.
Women Against Registry Family Foundation.
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Our organizations, Women Against Registry and WAR Family Foundation, do not support or condone illegal sexual activity based on state and federal laws, to include child or adult sex trafficking. We are not and have never been affiliated with any organizations that promote, support or condone sex between adults and minors.