November 12, 2009

Denver: HIV-Positive Man Faces Prostitution Felony Charges

HIV-positive Denver man Darren Garcia, 29, has been charged with prostitution with knowledge of being HIV positive—a class five felony—as well as possession of a controlled substance, reports ABC affiliate KMGH.

Garcia was arrested and charged with prostitution with knowledge of being HIV positive in 2007, when he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one and a half years in prison. He has been arrested at least five times for prostitution.

According to Denver District Attorney spokesperson Lynn Kimbrough, prostitution is classified as a violation of a city ordinance in Denver, resulting in a ticket if a person is found guilty. However, prostitution with knowledge of being HIV positive is punishable with up to three years in prison.

Currently, Garcia remains in custody at a Denver County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, November 13.

Search: Denver, prostitution, sex work, Colorado

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Previous Comments:

Bryce L., Los Angeles, 2009-11-17 15:22:38
When I was arrested for solicitation, stipulations in my sentencing included an HIV test. I don't know what the law is in Denver, but in CA, if your test comes up poz, you're informed that knowledge of positive status while engaging in prostitution classifies as a felony. If I had gone back to selling my body with knowledge of my HIV+ status, and had gotten arrested again, who's fault would it be if I landed in prison? Just food for thought....

Bill, California, 2009-11-17 15:07:14
So sad that HIV poz people think they can just go out and get sex without disclosure! Worse yet; prostitution!! I have AIDS and would NEVER do that. How selfish to possibly infect another because you are an don't care. I concur with jail time. How are we ever going to combat HIV/AIDS if nobody is honest! If you need it so bad use your hand!

Bruce McGuire, miami, 2009-11-17 12:44:56
people with narrow minds and greedy pockets. HIV i guess is to be the next cash cow for the Federal Government. They have pi55ed off billions in the name of this illness and pocketed as much as they possibly could and now they want more so they will criminalioze people with HIV. This is not An American Idea, THIS ISTHE IDEA OF GREEDY MEN AND WOMEN WHO WOULD RATHER YOU OR A LOVED ONE DIE THAN HELP WITHOUT A PROFIT. POLITICIANS HEY IF IT WILL PUT MONEY IN MY POCKET ITS GOOD FOR ME...not!