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ROSS TWP. — The township is not big enough to hold convicted rapist James McCoy and his victim.

"And, I'm not moving," said Robin, who was raped at knifepoint 12 years ago in her Ross Twp. home. "So someone is going to make sure he lives somewhere else."

While she carries scars from the brutal attack she endured in the summer of 1996, she has been able to move on with her life.

"I want to continue to move on," said Robin, now 48, who asked that her last name not be used. Armed with years of counseling and a strong sense of self, Robin is speaking out to assure McCoy stays behind bars as long as possible.

McCoy, who she did not know before the attack, was also a suspect in the 1996 attempted kidnapping of a woman in Oxford. Robin says she has no doubt he will again be a threat if released.

"That is why I am speaking up," she said. "I did nothing wrong, and I don't want to have to look over my shoulder every day."

McCoy's case went before a parole board in June, after he had served his minimum state sentence. The case is being reviewed by the Central Office Board of Review, which will study the case from beginning to end, as well as letters received from the community, prosecutors, judges, victims or family members. JoEllen Culp, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, said the review will take 60 to 90 days, and if parole is recommended, the victim will have the right to appeal.

"Community attitude is important," Culp said. "If they receive letters from people who don't want him to return to a community, that is considered."

When McCoy is released, he will be under post release control of some form for three years, she said. The parole board can put provisions on McCoy's release that would address where he can live. He has also been classified as a sexual predator, which will require him to register his residence with the sheriff's office in the county were he lives.

Butler County Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer, who investigated the case when he was a lieutenant, said he shares Robin's concern if McCoy comes back to Butler County.

"I remember the case vividly. It was a heinous crime," Dwyer said.

Robin Piper, Butler County prosecutor, said he has not received any paperwork about McCoy's bid for parole, but he has talked with Robin. Piper prosecuted the case and noted McCoy had a criminal past before attacking Robin.

Both men indicated they may be willing to write letters to the parole board concerning McCoy's release and his possible return to Ross Twp.

Robin is gathering signatures on a petition protesting McCoy's early release and return to Ross Twp., and she is asking for help from anyone who is willing to write a letter to the parole board.

"People do have a right to say how they feel. I am asking for their help," Robin said. "It's their home, too."