Rehabilitating a School Psychologist?

An Akron Public Schools psychologist charged with soliciting prostitution has completed a court diversion program that will keep him from carrying a criminal record. Meanwhile, school board members are trying to determine whether they should discipline Patrick McGown, who has no apperent blemishes on his 27-year career with the district.

McGown, 51, was arrested about 10 a.m. Dec. 9 for receiving oral sex from a prostitute during a weekday work shift. The incident occurred in a University of Akron parking deck on East Buchtel Avenue.

McGown's court case is concluding at the same time city and court officials are getting tougher on those who commit prostitution-related crimes. Within the last week, the eligibility requirements for the court diversion program have been changed to exclude solicitation and prostitution offenders, said Chief City Prosecutor Doug Powley.

``This case had nothing to do with our decision,'' Powley said. ``There has been some discussion over a period of time whether to allow this type of offense to be included in diversion. There have been many complaints throughout neighborhoods of Akron about problems prostitution causes.'