Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - July 12, 2002
Nikko Briteramos, 18, a freshman at Si Tanka-Huron University in Huron, S.D., was the first person charged under a new state law making it illegal for those with the AIDS virus to have sex without informing partners of their HIV status.
Intentionally exposing individuals to HIV, which causes AIDS, is a felony in South Dakota punishable by 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The Huron investigation began when state health officials found that three people in Beadle County, including Briteramos, were diagnosed with HIV. A fourth person was later found to have the virus.
Briteramos was arrested after health officials said they saw a woman leaving his dorm room on April 23. She was not among those who have tested positive for HIV, officials have said.
A court document says health officials informed Briteramos on March 27 that he had HIV and told him that he must disclose his infection to all sex partners.
Briteramos' sentencing in Beadle County Circuit Court is scheduled for Aug. 20.
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