Arthur Holmes - HIV Positive - Reckless Disregard

Conviction:
Jul 13, 1990

Male, 13 Years
Male, 11 Years
Male, 14 Years

Designation: Sexually Violent Offender




Despite stringent security at Ogdensburg's Bridgeview facility, two inmates managed to have a sexual encounter last month.

One of them is HIV-positive but lied to his partner about his HIV status, according to Ogdensburg police.

The Bridgeview facility, operated by the state Office of Mental Health, is a secure facility for designated violent sex offenders who have finished their prison sentences.

Arthur Holmes, 40, is charged with reckless endangerment. Because the charge represents a parole violation, he's being held without bail in St. Lawrence County jail.

The Office of Mental Health is investigating how the sexual encounter was allowed to happen.

Ogdensburg Police Detective Robert Wescott said that prior to the encounter in June, Holmes' 33 year old sex partner asked Wescott if he had any diseases.

Holmes answered no and the two proceeded to have anal intercourse, considered the most dangerous form of sexual activity for HIV transmission.

Later, another inmate told the 33 year old that Holmes is HIV positive and the 33 year old complained to staff members at the Bridgeview facility, Detective Wescott said.

Holmes was convicted of sodomy in 1990 for sodomizing three boys, ages 11, 13 and 14. More information is available on the New York State Sex Offender Registry website, here.

Detective Wescott said the parole violation will almost certainly land Holmes back in state prison.