[Vision2020] 01-07-05 LMT: HIV update

[Art Deco]

Suspect in Moscow HIV case faces eight more counts


By DAVID JOHNSON of the Tribune
MOSCOW -- Eight more counts will be filed here Monday against a Moscow man already facing seven counts for allegedly having sex with area women without first informing them that he's HIV positive, Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson, Jr., said Friday. 

The new counts will result in a total of 15 women accusing 31-year-old Kanay A. Mubita of the felonies, said Thompson. He said the new charges against Mubita couldn't be filed Friday because a magistrate was not available to review the complaints. 

Mubita, who is represented by Latah County Public Defender Charles Kovis, remained in the Latah County Jail on a $20,000 bond. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine on each count. 

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled Thursday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., for the first seven counts, and Thompson said he will ask that the new counts be included. Magistrate William C. Hamlett of Moscow is handling the matter. 

As of late Friday afternoon, the preliminary hearing remained scheduled, but Mubita has a right to waive it. Thompson said he could call all 15 women to testify at the hearing. Enough evidence on each count must be presented to convince Hamlett that separate crimes were committed and Mubita may be the guilty party. At that point, Hamlett could bind the defendant over to 2nd District Court for trial. 

Thompson said he has had no discussions with Kovis about a possible plea agreement. Moscow police continue to investigate the case, said Thompson, and additional charges are possible. 

Mubita, according to court records, was said to be a regular in the local bar scene. Authorities arrested him initially on one count involving one woman. According to court records, Mubita denied the allegations and said he was not HIV positive. HIV is the virus that can cause AIDS. 

Officials of the North Central District Health Department, according to court records, told authorities that they repeatedly informed Mubita of his positive HIV status. 

Health district officials continue to offer HIV testing and counseling to persons seeking such services. 

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Johnson may be contacted at deveryone at potlatch.com. 
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