Man: 'I disclosed HIV-positive status'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An HIV-positive man, facing a felony charge for not disclosing his condition to a sex partner, denied the allegations in an interview with 24 Hour News 8.

Jeremy Merithew, a 32-year-old registered nurse who is not currently working, said, "I will plead not guilty because of the fact that I did disclose my status to that individual when he was here and he still continued to do what he wanted to do."

Allegedly, the men made contact at an online dating site called Adam4Adam.com and met for sex on August 9. Merithew now is facing a 4-year prison term, if convicted.

He's out on bond and said he doesn't know why the man went to authorities after their encounter.

But the Kent County Sheriff's Departments said Merithew assured his partner he didn't have HIV -- but later, using a different screen name, contacted Merithew, who then told him he was HIV positive.

The Kent County Health Department advises that Merithew's sex partners get tested.

"In this particular case we are working with the sheriff's department because we want people to know if they are concerned about exposure that they can some to us to get tested," said the health department's Lisa LaPlante. "It's better to know your status in case you have been exposed." She added the testing takes 15 minutes and is "quick, free, anonymous or confidential."

It's the second time Merithew has faced a similar charge. Two years ago, he paid a $500 fine in Roscommon after pleading no contest to a charge of failing to disclose.

Merithew said people who are HIV-positive should disclose their condition to sex partners but everyone ought to take responsibility for protecting themselves.

"I want people to realize that we need to change the paradigm if we are going to stop the spread of HIV. People need to assume everyone is positive beforehand so they will take necessary precautions."

He's currently in school. Being HIV-positive generally does not prevent health professionals from working.