Pick-Up at Bethesda Bar Leads to HIV Exposure

An encounter at a downtown Bethesda bar has led to criminal charges against an HIV-positive Virginia man who allegedly had unprotected sex with an area woman without telling her of his health status.

Daniel Cleaves, 28, faces seven counts of knowingly having and attempting to transfer HIV to the victim, reports FOX DC.

According to court documents, the Montgomery County woman met Cleaves at a Bethesda bar, then they went home and spent three days together having unprotected sex. She told police Cleaves never offered or asked to use a condom.

The victim reportedly found medical tests in Cleaves’ backpack noting that he was HIV-positive.

According to court documents, through text messages with the victim, Cleaves admitted he had HIV but was wrong not to share his health status.

Cleaves allegedly texted: “I should have told you,” the TV station reports.

Cleaves was arrested last week and is out of jail on bond.

»Daniel Cleaves of Virginia is charged with seven counts of knowingly having and attempting to transfer HIV. Credit: screenshot from FOX DC