Sailor to Face Trial in AIDS Virus Case
A Navy crewman at Moffet Field Naval Air Station in Mountain View has been ordered to face a court-martial for allegedly exposing a woman to the AIDS virus, authorities said Monday.
Aviation Technician 2nd Class John E. Crawford, 27, of Magnolia, Ark., tested positive for AIDS antibodies in the Navy’s mandatory AIDS screening in March, said Senior Chief Bob Rainville, a Navy spokesman.
Crawford allegedly had sex with a married woman at his barracks in April without telling her that he carried the antibodies and without wearing a condom, Rainville said.
He was ordered Oct. 30 to face court-martial on assault charges for knowingly exposing the woman to the virus. A hearing was scheduled for Jan. 13. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years’ confinement, a reduction in rank and a dishonorable discharge, Rainville said.
The woman learned from a third party that Crawford was carrying the virus, and she notified Navy authorities at Moffet Field.
Under Navy rules, anyone found to have AIDS is given a medical discharge, Rainville said. Crawford was allowed to stay in the service because he did not have the disease, although he had been infected with the virus.
Crawford has also been charged with violating the Navy’s curfew banning visitors of the opposite sex in the barracks after 11 p.m.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
