NEWS
"One Arrested, Other Sought on HIV Charges" Associated Press (05.01.02)::Joe Kafka

A second South Dakotan has been arrested and charged with intentionally exposing sex partners to HIV, and a third person is being sought. Mark McNeary, Brown County state's attorney, said that James Lee Woods, 41, of Aberdeen is in jail charged with four counts of HIV exposure involving three other men. The arrest was made following an anonymous tip. Police are looking for William Kenneth Jenigen, 35, who lived with Woods.
"Intentionally exposing an unknowing individual to HIV infection is unconscionable," McNeary said. "It is obvious that an act of this nature totally lacks any regard for the life and well-being of another individual."
When Woods appeared before a magistrate on Wednesday, his bond was set at $25,000 cash. An arrest warrant was issued for Jenigen. According to the prosecutor, Jenigen should be considered dangerous. "I'm not talking armed, but I consider it just as dangerous," McNeary said. "If these allegations are proven, an individual has taken it upon himself to infect somebody else with HIV."

McNeary said the Brown County allegations have no connection to last week's arrest of Nikko Briteramos, 18, who is charged with five counts of HIV exposure in Beadle County. "It's not a reason for alarm. We just want to make the community aware of the allegations against these two individuals," McNeary added.

Intentionally exposing someone to HIV is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. People who have had sexual contact with Woods or Jenigen should see their doctors or contact the state's attorney, state Health Department or Brown County Community Health Center, McNeary said.

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