August 5, 2009

HIV-Positive Man Arrested in Craigslist Sex Sting

Thomas Doucette, an HIV-positive Las Vegas Valley man, has been charged with intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child, Fox affiliate KVVU Las Vegas reports.

According to the article, undercover detectives from Henderson, Nevada, posed as minors on Craigslist to find people using the popular classifieds site to arrange sexual encounters with minors. Doucette and other men between the ages of 34 and 50 were arrested once they arrived at an agreed-upon meeting place.

“There are many occasions where the detective contacted someone, and that person said, ‘You’re under 18, I want nothing to do with you.’ That’s exactly what they should’ve done. Unfortunately, what we have is several people who continue the conversations,” said Keith Paul, Henderson police spokesman.

If convicted on the felony charge, Doucett could face up to 15 years in prison.

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Previous Comments:

Jon, Orlando, 2010-10-21 19:17:33
Tom Doucette was in FL Feb 2007 knew he was HIV+ and continued to meet up w/guys with no regard to others...he needs to go to prison and they need to keep him there till the end!!!

Lawyer, , 2009-08-06 15:38:12
What is being describe above is called entrapment and it is illegal. Considering the age of consent in several states is 16, moral judgments vary by states to when someone is of an appropriate age to have sex. I think we should have honest and open discussions with our kids about the dangers of the internet and sex, and stop relying on Dateline and law enforcement to demonize gay and HIV+ individuals.

Michael, Haslett, 2009-08-06 11:59:51
This is so sad that these men would even think about having sex with a minor. It is so wrong even if you didn't have HIV. We need more police action like this to get those who are online looking for minors to have sex with and get them off the streets to protect our children.

Bob, , 2009-08-06 11:12:32
I do wonder when I read this, what if a person CLAIMS to be over 18 and is under and later gets you arrested intentionally. That's a scary thought and it could easily happen. Or what if you tell them you are HIV+ and after meeting up, they sue you for not telling them. I actually know of a case, this friend told everyone, but was accused by one of not letting him know. I know he did, he's my best friend for 11 years I know him well). He now faces charges.