On Monday, A Thurston County Superior Court Judge found Anthony Whitfield guilty on 17 counts of assault in the first degree with sexual motivation, for knowingly exposing his sexual partners to the HIV virus. Whitfield was also found guilty on two counts of tampering with a witness, domestic violence, and three counts of violating a no contact order, domestic violence. Because of a three year statue of limitations, Whitfield, who was told that he was HIV positive in 1992, was charged only with offenses dating back to 2001, even though he started having a relationship and exposing one of the victims in the case some time between 1997 and 1998. Whitfield who has lived in California and Oklahoma moved to Washington state in 1999. Charging documents show that On August 1, 2003, the Thurston County Health Department contacted Whitfield to notify him that he was infected with the HIV virus and counseled him on what to do to protect others and himself in the future. Whitfield signed a document confirming that he had received this counseling stating that he must warn any sexual partner of his “HIV Positive” condition and must not engage in behavior that results in blood or semen exchanging with another person. In addition, Whitfield was instructed to keep in contact with the Thurston County Health Department thereafter and report any future sexual partners. However, Whitfield did not keep in contact as instructed and proceeded to leave the state and go to Oklahoma. Whitfield later returned to Washington and continued to have sex with partners and failed to inform them of his HIV status, even after the Thurston County Department of Health determined that he as carrying a highly contagious and virulent strain of the HIV virus and served him with a cease and desist order in March 2004. The order, signed by Whitefield, once again indicated that he inform sexual partners of his HIV status and use protection to prevent the exchange of blood or semen. According to Thurston County prosecutor Jodilyn Erikson-Muldrew, who tried the case along with David Bruneau, there really is no way to determine the true extent of the damage done by Whitfield’s actions. “We do believe that there are women in Oklahoma who might have been exposed to the virus by Whitfield before his coming to the state of Washington,” she said. “I think the public health message (to be learned from this case) is that anytime you have unprotected sex with a person you are exposing yourself to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is very important to use protection,” she continued. “Five of the victims [in this case] are HIV positive, and for them their going to have challenges for the rest of their lives because of his behavior.” Whitfield’s sentencing date has been scheduled for Dec. 21, 2004 and he faces between 141 years and 187 years in prison. Erikson-Muldrew stated that it was very difficult for the victims to come forward and testify but she feels that they are happy to have this behind them so that they can move on with their lives. “The vast majority of them are very satisfied with the verdict and feel that justice has been served.”I have a few questions that you might be able to answer fairly quickly.1) during what time frame (in months)did he expose the women to the HIV virus? 1992 told and released to electronic monitoring program in 1995.. victim KT started relationship in 97 -98.. charing documents states 2001… he started exposing her in 97 – 98… moved to washington in 1999.. 2000 on…Women in OklahomaWe do believe that there are women in Oklahoma who might have been exposed to the virus by whitfield before his coming to the state of Washington…2) is there still an advisory out for other sexual partners that he might have exposed to the HIV virus? I know that as a result of the publicity of the case a lot ofpeople did report ot the health de.tp..3) I don’t necessarily need to talk to Ms. Erikson-Muldrew given that fact that she is in court today.. But if she has a statement or two regarding the significance of this case and the realities that it brings to light to the broader community… and her thought about the victims and how this verdict effects them.I think the public helath message needs to be out there that anytime you have unprotected sex with a person you are possible exposing yourself to hiv and other std… it is very important to use protection.. drugs and alcohol lower your inhibitions and puts you at risk… if you have unprotected sex… .. there is atleast one who does support him and not yus..It was idfficutl for all of them to come forward and to testify… I think … 5 are hiv positive..a d for them their fgoing to have challenges for the resto f their lives as a resulot of his behavior….Jodilyn Erikson-Muldrew tried case with David Bruneau
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