Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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United Press International - Saturday, July 3, 1999
The Richmond Times-Dispatch today said police in Richmond are accused of sending a postcard to 50-year-old Johnny Lee Bodrick Jr. that falsely implies that he had "a contagious disease offensive to society."
David Baugh, Bodrick's lawyer, said, "They don't send out postcards to heterosexuals picking up hookers. It's nothing but homophobia personified."
Bodrick's suit, filed this week against police Chief Jerry Oliver and three other police officers, also alleges there was no basis for the indecent exposure charge last December. Bodrick was acquitted April 21 after computer records showed he was at work at the time.
Police sent similar postcards to more than 50 men charged with indecent exposure in public parks as part of the department's Operation Clean Park, which started last November.
Written in large letters on the postcards were:
"As the result of your arrest on date , the Richmond Police Department highly recommends that you be tested for AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Have your family tested also, as your behavior may have put them at risk, too. Thank you. " The cards were signed, "The Richmond Police Department Vice Unit,
"We care about the health of our city."'
Officials with the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and homosexual rights groups have attacked the police program.
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