In an editorial accompanying the article, the newspaper said it learned about Heimlich’s 2012 conviction while doing a routine background check before running a lengthy profile on him. Heimlich failed to renew his registration as a sex offender in Oregon within 10 days of his most recent birthday and was cited in Benton County on a misdemeanor charge that was dismissed last month, according to court records. Oregon State spokesman Steve Clark declined to say when Oregon State became aware of Heimlich’s status as a registered sex offender or answer any questions about the case, citing federal laws that protect student privacy. The state police provide the school with a list of registered sex offenders who are affiliated with the campus on a regular basis, Clark said, and the school then interviews each person and puts safeguards in place to protect other students and staff.