College Settles Lawsuit With Sex Offender For $36,000

DEARBORN (WWJ/AP) - A convicted sex offender who sued a metro Detroit college over his dismissal settled the case for $36,000.

An agreement obtained by The Associated Press says the payment came earlier this year from Henry Ford College's insurer. In exchange, Michael Branch has agreed to stay away from the Dearborn campus.

Branch claimed his rights were violated when the school removed him in 2011, despite good grades in a heating-and-cooling program. But in court filings, Henry Ford said his enrollment was terminated because of parole requirements. Branch had to stay away from minors and child-care facilities.

Henry Ford denied wrongdoing but settled the lawsuit solely for "business reasons."

Branch was convicted of having sex with a 15-year-old girl in 2004.

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