AEGiS-AP: Prostitute With HIV Issues Warning

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Prostitute With HIV Issues Warning

Associated Press - Wednesday November 4, 1998

CLEVELAND (AP) - A male prostitute with the AIDS virus went on television under court order to warn those who may have had sexual contact with him. Tony Brown, 37, of Cleveland went before cameras from two television stations Monday and urged those with whom he had physical contact to seek medical attention.

Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold said Monday she ordered Brown to appear on television to protect the public's safety.

"I learned in April of this year that I was HIV-positive. I would like to let all the individuals with whom I had contact know that I am HIV-positive. I urge all individuals who recognize me or who have frequented the area of Detroit and Lake and may have come in contact with me to see a doctor or contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Health immediately," Brown said in the statement broadcast on TV newscasts.

There was no immediate indication from the health department on any response to his statement. A message seeking comment was left today with the agency. Under terms of a plea agreement, Brown pleaded guilty Monday to attempted soliciting. The plea came as he was about to go on trial in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

He had been charged with soliciting for prostitution while knowing he had been diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Conviction on that charge could have resulted in up to five years in prison. The plea agreement on the lesser charge involves a prison term of up to 18 months, although he could get probation. He has a prior criminal record.

Brown, who would pose as a woman while soliciting, told the judge he had been sexually active since learning six months ago he has HIV. Saffold said Brown told some people about his condition, but not others.
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