there are also serious consequences for you as a permanent resident if you: Willfully fail to register for the Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26.
or, somewhat amusingly
Are a "habitual drunkard"someone who is drunk or someone who uses illegal drugs most of the time.
I'm guessing her financial needs with raising six kids motivates her to protect him from incarceration.
Perhaps she thinks 'creeping' isn't such a heinous crime.
She could be battered or even brainwashed by an extreme 'religious' organization that has roots here in Ithaca. Some of that 'tree talk' points to that in my opinion.