Idaho, May 8: A 34-year-old man who has been "purposely" trying to infect both men and teenage boys with HIV through sex has been sentenced to 30 years in jail in Idaho, US. The case emerged after the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office in Idaho initiated an undercover operation in August 2023, leading to the accused being arrested. Initially engaging in online sexual conversation with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old boy, the accused was instead communicating with an undercover detective. Subsequent investigation revealed a troubling pattern of behaviour.

According to a report by the abc News, the investigation into the accused, identified as Alexander Louie's actions, began in August 2023 when an undercover Ada County Sheriff’s Detective engaged with him online, posing as a 15-year-old boy. Louie, unaware of the detective's identity, arranged a meeting for sexual activity and was subsequently apprehended. The case, which began as a child enticement case, with further inquiry, revealed Louie's disturbing pattern of approaching and engaging in sex with different men and teenage boys. US Shocker: Cancer Patient Dies After Surgical Robot Burns Holes in Organs, Husband Sues Manufacturer.

As per an Idaho News report, Louie, who is HIV positive, had engaged in sexual intercourse with an estimated 30 to 50  different men and teenage boys, including a 16-year-old, purposely withholding his HIV status and forgoing medication in a calculated effort to transmit the virus. Ada County District Judge Derrick O’Neill, in sentencing Louie, characterised his actions as predatory, emphasizing the significant harm inflicted upon the community. Louie was convicted on multiple felony charges, including the deliberate transmission of bodily fluids containing HIV. US Shocker: Uber Driver Forced to Flee Gunfire After Picking Up Passenger in Chicago's West Garfield Park, Dashcam Footage Surfaces.

Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts commended law enforcement's diligence in ensuring justice for the victims and protecting the community from Louie's dangerous behaviour. Louie's sentencing on May 3 marked the culmination of a thorough legal process that underscored the severity of his actions. Despite the imposed 30-year sentence, Louie will be eligible for parole after serving 16 years, raising concerns among advocates about the potential for future harm if he is released prematurely.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2024 03:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).