- CLEVELAND (AP) -- A male prostitute with the AIDS virus went on television
under court order to encourage anyone who had had sexual contact with him
to get checked out.
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- 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.
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- Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold said
Monday she ordered Brown to appear on television to protect the public's
safety.
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- "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.
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- There was no immediate indication from
the health department on any response to his statement. A message seeking
comment was left Wednesday with the agency.
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- 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.
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- He had been charged with soliciting for
prostitution while knowing he had been diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency
virus.
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- 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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