Man accused of spreading HIV banned from Grindr by judge
By Josh Haggis
A man alleged to have knowingly infected another man with HIV has been banned from using gay social apps such as Grindr.
Thomas Guerra, 29, from California, is accused of infecting his ex-boyfriend, known as Charles E, with HIV after assuring him that he was HIV-negative when they began a relationship last year, reports the LA Times.
Guerra, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, has insisted he wasn’t aware of his infection when he gave the virus to his then boyfriend. However, Charles E claims to have evidence including emails and text messages that prove Guerra has known about his HIV infection since 2007.
Under Californian law, a person “with any contagious, infectious or communicable disease who willfully exposes himself or herself to another person” can be prosecuted. Guerra, who is currently fee on bail, has been banned by Superior Court Judge Dan Link from all gay dating websites and social apps until the trial is complete.
Guerra is next scheduled to appear in court on October 16 over the charges.
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