College student accused of exposing partners to HIV; taping sex

SAINT CHARLES, Mo. –  A former Lindenwood University student who is HIV-positive is accused of exposing others to the virus that causes AIDS and allegedly taping the sexual encounters, CBS affiliate KMOV reports.

Missouri man Michael Johnson, 22, was charged  with five counts of knowingly transmitting the disease in October. Since his arrest, police have reportedly discovered multiple videos of Johnson having unprotected sex.

St. Charles County prosecutor Tim Lohmar said that Johnson can be seen with 31 unidentified people in videos made over a four-month span.

Authorities believe Johnson’s sexual partners in the videos were unaware he had HIV and did not know that they were being videotaped.

“It’s safe to say that numerous videos were taken inside his dorm room; we know that because we recognize the furniture,” Lohmar said.

Lohmar urged any potential victims to come forward, for their own individual safety as well as public safety.

Lindenwood University school officials say they will work with law enforcement to help identify victims, and that they only found out about the videos a few days ago.

“I think it’s really scary, thinking someone like that is on campus, not thinking about others,” said student Jenny Counts.

Johnson could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.