Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Tuesday November 6, 2001
Larry Neumeister, Associated Press Writer
District Judge Richard Casey called John Weisser "a predator who poses a significant risk to children."
"The defendant knew he was infected with HIV but nonetheless intended to engage in unprotected sexual acts with a minor," the judge said. Weisser, 39, of Oakland, Calif., could have faced as little as five years and three months.
Both prosecutors and the defense agreed the case was the first in which a federal defendant was sentenced to a longer prison term because he planned to have sex with a child knowing he has the virus that causes AIDS.
Weisser was convicted last year of using the Internet to entice a child to engage in a sexual act, traveling with the intent to engage in sex with a child and transporting pornography.
The boy actually was a fictional identity created by investigators who exchanged messages with Weisser during a four-month probe, according to trial evidence.
In computer chat rooms, Weisser had indicated that he intended to leave his condoms at his California home when he flew to New York to have sex with a 12-year-old boy, the judge said. Weisser was arrested in a Manhattan hotel room in April 2000.
Weisser's lawyer, Richard Lind, argued for leniency, saying that no child was harmed by Weisser.
Weisser was listed in California's registry of convicted sex offenders after he was convicted in 1986 of two charges of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under the age of 14.
011106
AP011104
Copyright © 2001 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .