I can somewhat relate. First off, relax guys, Ceph is in no way trying to "justify" the crime or give an "excuse"; she's simply stating the essential core character of her friend. It is not always the case that someone who commits a crime is automatically and forever distinguished as a "bad guy". For instance, during acute depression I too have resorted to sexual means for relief. While nowhere near the degree of underage rape, I can at least understand the motives and pressures that led to his decision. (Relax, I said understand, not acknowledge).Ceph23 wrote:
I still call him friend because he really isn't a bad guy. He was always definetly nicer than me during highschool.
Ceph, who knows what I would have done if not a single friend would stay by my side during my darkest of times. I understand this is a highly serious crime and understand why many would choose to ignore him. But I also understand why you still consider him a friend and still recognize his core character, and I encourage you to stay by his side and facilitate his reflective rehabilitation.