MUNICH (AP) -- The son of a 91-year-old former U.S. autoworker convicted in Germany on Nazi war crimes charges says his father still hopes he might soon be able to return home despite his conviction and his failing health.

John Demjanjuk Jr. just saw his father face-to-face for the first time since his deportation from the U.S. in 2009.

In an exclusive interview with the AP before heading back to the U.S. on Wednesday, he said if an ongoing court battle in Ohio results in his father being given permission to return home, he would do so even before his appeal in Germany is heard.

Demjanjuk was found guilty in May of 28,060 counts of accessory to murder and sentenced to five years in prison but was immediately released pending appeal. Demjanjuk denies the charges.