Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 - Thursday, October 30, 1997; 11:26 p.m. EST
M.r. Kropko, Associated Press Writer
James Russell, 35, knew he was HIV-positive when he had unprotected sex with the victim, who was learning disabled, according to police. He met the teen at a mall where he was trying to recruit players for a youth basketball league he had formed.
Russell regularly tried to recruit boys into the league and the lure them to his apartment, police said. Police said he told them he was involved with some boys sexually, and his roommate told officers Russell often brought boys to their home.
Russell said he practiced safe sex but denied raping the 17-year-old, Euclid police Lt. David Brooks said. The boy was tested for the virus but the results were not made public.
Investigators tried to locate any other possible victims.
"At this point we're only aware of the one he forced himself on and he was convicted on that rape," Brooks said.
Russell, in custody since his May arrest, was convicted last Friday of rape, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping.
Police did not say when Russell learned he was HIV positive and would not speculate on whether he knowingly tried to spread the disease.
His attorney, Robert Williams, would not comment, his secretary said.
In western New York, nine young women were infected with the AIDS virus after having sex with 20-year-old Nushawn Williams. Police believe Williams knowingly spread the virus to young women he met at parks and near schools after he was diagnosed with HIV.
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
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Copyright © 1997 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
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