HIV-positive prostitute indicted in Toledo

11/24/2009

A 27-year-old Toledo woman who has a lengthy loitering and solicitation record was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Tuesday for soliciting sexual acts knowing she is HIV positive.

Elizabeth Curtis, of 1222 Baker, was charged with engaging in solicitation after a positive HIV test. She faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

According to a police report, she tested positive for HIV in March, 2008.

Ms. Curtis was arrested Nov. 17 on Lagrange Street after she approached the parked car of undercover officers and offered sex acts in exchange for money. She told the officers that condoms were not needed because she was "clean," according to police.

During a subsequent records check and interview, it was discovered that Ms. Curtis learned she was HIV positive last year when she was tested at a local women's shelter. She told the detective that she works as a prostitute "almost everyday" and that she "often" has sexual intercourse without condoms.

According to Toledo Municipal Court records, Ms. Curtis been charged with misdemeanor loitering and solicitation more than 60 times dating to 2002. Although many of the charges were dismissed, she has also been sentenced to time behind bars at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio.