January 22, 2010

HIV-Positive Former Olympic Equestrian Arrested for Not Disclosing to Partner

Former U.S. Olympic equestrian Darren Chiacchia was charged with not disclosing his HIV-positive status before having sex with his partner, violating Florida Statute 384.24(2), ocala.com reports.

The 2003 Pan American gold medalist was charged with a third-degree felony. The charge could be upgraded to a first-degree felony if Chiacchia committed multiple violations of the crime.

According to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office report, Chiacchia and his one-time lover (whose name was withheld) had unprotected sexual intercourse between February and June of last year. The former partner told investigators he learned Chiacchia’s status when he came across medical documents during a trip to New York.

Chiacchia told his partner he was HIV negative at the beginning of the relationship, according to the arrest records, and his ex-lover obtained e-mails proving Chiacchia was aware of his status in 2008.

Bail for Chiacchia was set at $2,000. He posted bond and left Marion County Jail on January 21. Chiacchia said the arrest was “pretty surprising and outrageous.”

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Previous Comments:

bcool, higlands, 2010-01-30 14:17:16
Its my personal experience that after disclosing, to a potential sexual partner you get the I am sorry, dah, dah, dah story. Then I remind them that the next parter they meet may not disclose or may not even be aware, so what is the problem. I've gone the extra step to protect you but the next person may not. I ask then would you rather not have someone to have sex with who told you. Its the same story I dont do poz hook ups. OK better luck on your next encounter buddy, hope they are honest.

BCool, Highlands, 2010-01-30 14:12:47
Correct all this arrest stuff over to disclose or not to disclose will hamper younger people not to be tested. If anyone engaging in sexaual activity who does not take their own personal responsibility and protect themselves, then they should be arrested.

perigrine, new orleans, 2010-01-28 14:54:10
As an HIV poz female, I believe the question is whether the partner would choose to have sex if he/she knew that the other was HIV positive. This is the question. If one knows he/she is positive, disclosure prior to taking the risk of transmitting the virus is surely necessary. Yes, it isn't easy. Yes, society does still stigmatize. But, it is morally and legally an obligation.

Ted, Fredericton, Canada, 2010-01-27 19:15:22
The onus to protect againt HIV infection is on both partners. I am HIV positive and I practice safe sex so disclosing my status is not always necessary. Of course if entering into a relationship (sometimes those one-night stands end up as longer-term relationships), it is always best to be honest. Criminalization will surely thwart efforts on prvention efforts in all communities.

Mandisa, London, 2010-01-27 18:02:45
I wud not recommend anyone to test not unless one is sick,life after testing Pos is nerve racking,am always nervous about being jailed,wot if the person denies the fact that u've disclosed. This whole thing is unfair. It adds to the stress of living with the virus.

Ray, NYC, 2010-01-27 11:15:53
Still, there is a double-standard. You punish the poz for not disclosing and the neg gets off for not insisting on the use of condoms. If it's consensual sex we are talking about, then it's also a consensual failure to protect each other. Both are equally at fault.

Johnny, San jacinto, 2010-01-26 19:20:16
As a HIV positive male I think it's only fair to disclose your status to someone if you are having unprotected sex it's not fair I remember how I fealt when I found out I was I was devestated so think how you first fealt and if it's a one night stand you don't need to disclose it but wear protection at all costs

Tom Bowie, Rossie, NY, 2010-01-26 11:01:16
Disclosure has become even harder over the years. The longer I live as a HIV positive person living honest and healthy my peers make it harder to disclose. How do you see advertisements for friendship or hook-ups predicated on being DD free UB2. Both negative and positive men get the message disclosing is going to create failure, denial and pain when dating. The fear of becoming positive and having to disclose I feel has created an unspoken divide over the last decade. Disclosure isn't easy.