Man Convicted of Trying to Pass HIV to Sex Partner
PORTLAND, Ore. — An HIV-infected man has been convicted of attempted murder for having unprotected sex despite knowing his condition, a verdict that a prosecutor said will lead to similar charges across the country.
“I think it’s inevitable,” David Peters said after a jury convicted 28-year-old Alberto Gonzalez on Wednesday.
Gonzalez was found guilty of trying to pass the AIDS virus to a 17-year-old girl. He also was convicted of other charges, including attempted assault, delivery of marijuana and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.
“It’s judicial and racial prejudice,” Gonzalez said after the verdict was announced. He was found not guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.
Peters said the case shows that it is possible to use existing laws to prosecute those who attempt to spread the deadly virus. A circuit court judge scheduled sentencing for Monday. The attempted murder conviction carries a maximum sentence of about 11 years in prison.
The victim, who testified that she had unprotected sex with Gonzalez in 1990, has tested negative for the AIDS virus.
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