Maryland Man Purposely Infected Women He Met On Dating Sites With HIV

Detectives said that Rudoph Smith met his victims on different dating websites and apps.

April 17, 2019
Mug shot of Rudolph Smith [Maryland Police Department]

Photo by: Mug shot of Rudolph Smith [Maryland Police Department]

Mug shot of Rudolph Smith [Maryland Police Department]

By: Catherine Townsend

FREDERICK, MD — Police in Maryland have arrested a man who they say knowingly transmitted HIV to multiple women he met on dating apps.

Rudolph Jericho Smith, 34, was arrested on Monday by the Frederick Police Department.
Detectives said that they received a tip that Smith was having sex with multiple women while knowing that he was HIV positive. This prompted a 21-month investigation, Fox 5 reports.

Detectives said that Smith met his victims on different dating websites and apps, including Bumble and Backpage.

Smith has been indicted on four counts each of assault in the first degree, reckless endangerment, and knowing transfer of HIV.

To knowingly pass on HIV is a misdemeanor in Maryland. Anyone convicted of violating the law faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Authorities have asked anyone who may have had a sexual relationship with Smith around or after July 2017 to contact the Frederick Police Department at (301) 600-8477 or to contact them via email at FPDcrimetip@frederickmdpolice.org.

Read more: Fox 5, Frederick News-Post

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