(KMOX) - Can you be charged for transmitting COVID-19, similar to knowingly spreading an STD to an unsuspecting partner? The short answer is, yes.
CriminalDefenseLawyer.com says there are two basic options for prosecutors. One is using communicable disease statutes, most of which were created during the AIDS crisis. The other, and more likely scenario, is using general criminal laws like assault and battery, child endangerment or terrorism.
The deputy attorney general sent a memo encouraging US attorneys to consider prosecuting people under terrorism laws for "the purposeful exposure and infection of others with COVID-19."
An example of charges happened in Warrenton, Missouri last year, when Cody Lee Pfister posted a video of himself licking deodorants at a Walmart store on March 11. He asked, "Who's scared of coronavirus?" as he wiped his tongue along products.
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The 26-year-old was charged with making terrorist threat in the second degree, which is a felony. He has a plea hearing scheduled for Sept. 7.
Another example comes from New Jersey where a man was charged with making a terroristic threat and harassment after he purposely coughed on a grocery store employee and said he was infected with coronavirus.
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