Failure to Disclose HIV Status Can Result in Life Behind Bars
The college wrestler Michael Johnson, also known as “Tiger Mandingo,” was found guilty of failure to disclose his HIV positive status to sexual partners and is facing life in prison. Specifically, Johnson was charged with six counts: transmitting HIV to two partners (Class A Felony), attempting to expose a partner to HIV (Class B Felony), and three charges of exposing three partners to HIV (Class B Felony).
Johnson’s trial in May, 2015 lasted three days. At the trial, medical professional testified that they had informed Johnson about his medical issues. Johnson was well aware of the laws requiring him to tell partners about his condition.
Johnson testified and defended himself, saying he did disclose his status to partners and they were fully aware before they had consensual sex. Johnson was officially diagnosed with HIV in Missouri on January 7th, 2013. The very next day, he had his first sexual encounter with one of the accusers. During trial, prosecutors stated Johnson had also been diagnosed with HIV in Indiana in 2011. Johnson’s lawyer denied this allegation.
Missouri law mandates that all HIV positive people must disclose HIV positive status to partners before engaging in consensual sex, whether practicing safe sex or not.
Another aspect that makes the controversial case even more difficult is the area he lives in. The trial was held in St. Charles, Missouri; 91% of the population is white. In addition, only 13 of the 51 interviewed jurors believe homosexuality is not a sin. If this wasn’t enough, only one of the 12 jurors is black.
Johnson is up against a predominantly white jury in a largely Christian and Republican town. The big question is: did he disclose his HIV positive status to his partners, or did he fail to do so?
The answer to this vital question is up to the courts to decide. Johnson is facing a minimum of 10 years or a maximum of 30 to life in prison. Sentencing begins the morning of Friday the 15th.
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