HIV positive man faces charges of reckless conduct
WALTON COUNTY, Ga. - A Walton County man has been charged after investigators said he had sex with at least two women without informing them he was HIV positive.
Jerry Shore, 65, is out on bond after being arrested on two counts of felony reckless conduct by an HIV-infected person. Investigator Drew Hudson said there may be more victims.
“He is HIV-infected and had a sexual relationship with an individual and did not disclose that he was HIV infected to that individual,” said Investigator Hudson.
No one answered the door at Shore's home when FOX 5 News stopped by Wednesday afternoon.
One of the victims said she only learned of Shore's HIV diagnosis in December when she discovered his medication at his home.
“I just accidentally found his anti-viral medication. And in the beginning he denied it and then from there it was a landslide and saying ‘Yes, he did,’” said the woman, who did not want to be identified. “We actually were engaged to be married and I found out after I had said yes.”
She also said their engagement is now off.
Investigator Hudson said Shore met both victims on a dating website. She said he retained an attorney and did not tell investigators how long he has been HIV positive.
“He could have had this for years and years. How many women has he been with?” said Investigator Hudson.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Shore is well known in the Monroe- Walton County area, as a former little league coach and general contractor.
The victim who talked to FOX 5 News said she has tested negative for HIV, encouraging potential victims to take no chances.
“If you'd had involvement with him please go get tested and come forth,” she said.
The victim said she moved away from the Monroe-Walton County area to another part of metro Atlanta where she feels safe.
The sheriff's office encourages anyone with information in this case to contact them.
Investigators said each count of reckless conduct by an HIV-infected person carries a potential penalty of ten years in prison.