Prosecutors are confirming that more than 30 people could have contracted HIV from a former student at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Miss., who is accused of purposefully spreading the disease, KMOV reports.
Michael Johnson, a 22-year-old former wrestler, was charged with exposing his partners to the deadly disease, before the authorities later uncovered 32 videos of him having unprotected sex. According to KMOV, police think the partners were unaware that Johnson was HIV positive and that they were being videotaped.
In the videos, which were taken over a four-month span, Johnson is seen engaging with 31 unidentified people. He is already charged with five counts of knowingly spreading the virus.
"It's safe to say that numerous of those videos were taken inside his dorm room; we know that because we recognize the furniture," St. Charles County prosecutor Tim Lohmar told the news station.
Lohmar is encouraging the victims to come forward immediately for their safety and public safety as well. The university told the news site that they will assist the authorities in identifying the victims.
"I think it’s really scary, thinking someone like that is on campus, not thinking about others," Jenny Counts, a student, told the news channel.
Johnson faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Read more at KMOV.