Idaho man sentenced to prison for intentionally attempting to spread HIV through sexual contact

An Idaho man was sentenced Friday to up to 30 years in prison for intentionally attempting to spread HIV through sexual contact, prosecutors said.

Investigators found that Alexander Louie, 34, who is HIV-positive, was not taking medication and “intentionally had sexual contact with both men and teenagers in the hope of transmitting HIV to them,” Ada prosecutors said County in a news release.

“He lied to these victims about his HIV status. According to the defendant’s own statements, he had sexual intercourse with 30 to 50 different men and boys, including a 16-year-old,” the public prosecutor’s office said.

The investigation into Louie began in August 2023 as a child seduction case after he “initiated an online sexual conversation” with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old boy, but who was actually an undercover cop was. Louie was arrested after he tried to meet what he thought was a 15-year-old boy for sex, authorities said.

The investigation led to Louie pleading guilty to transmitting bodily fluids containing the HIV virus. He was also convicted of sexual assault of a minor and child molestation, according to court records.

Louie was sentenced to 30 years in prison and must serve at least 16 years before being eligible for parole, prosecutors said.

An attorney for Louie did not immediately respond to requests for comment.