June 22, 2009

Louisiana Man Charged With Attempted HIV Exposure

An HIV-positive Houma, Louisiana, man is accused of failing to disclose his status to an undercover police officer during a prostitution and drug bust, The Associated Press reports.

According to the article, Todd Joseph Duplantis propositioned an undercover police officer April 23 without mentioning he was HIV positive; he was charged June 19 with attempted intentional exposure to HIV/AIDS. His bond is set at $25,000.

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Todd Joseph Duplantis, Houma, La., 2010-01-26 12:46:43
The criminal justice system here in Terrebonne Parish is riddled in corruption and discrimination. I was NOT convicted of the HIV charge. all charges were dropped after the absurdity of the event was brought to light. Never the less my professional reputation locally has been ruined. Publication of the accusations completely ruined my chances at any anonimity. i am distraught.

Michael C., Phoenix, AZ, 2009-06-25 10:09:42
The police are taking the wrong track! It is PRIVATE MEDICAL INFORMATION, until they can protect HIV Positive people from discrimination and hate crimes. This is another example of the discrimination we face in our community. The law states you must tell someone if you are HIV positive prior to any physical/sexual contact - not prior to asking someone to have sex with you. This is a blatant violation of human rights. Plain, and simple.

the real one, Los Angeles,CA, 2009-06-24 00:41:15
When will they learn.The more you criminalize HIV positive folks the less folks that assume they are negative will get tested out of fear of going to jail.

Chad, San Francisco, 2009-06-23 12:15:53
WTF!? Most HIV crimanal law requires disclosure prior to the sex act. Asking someone if they want to have sex doesn't mean you're not going to disclose your status. Amazing!!!