Man accused of knowingly spreading HIV headed to trial
Christopher Sylve, 24, facing three counts of rape
A Grady County man is headed to trial for knowingly spreading HIV. Christopher Sylve, 24, is charged with three counts of second-degree rape and two counts of knowingly intending to transfer HIV.
A Grady County judge ruled that Christopher Sylve, 24, will face trial for second-degree rape and knowingly intending to transfer HIV.Prosecutors with the Grady County District Attorney's Office said Sylve faces three counts of rape in the second degree for a sexual relationship he had with a girl who was 14 years old at the time.They said he also faces two counts of knowingly intending to transfer HIV. One of those counts is for the underage victim. The other is for his wife who is the mother of his son.Leah Edwards, the Grady County assistant district attorney, said the victims who have stepped forward are hoping to protect other women."They have been very strong," said Edwards. "They are seeking justice. They are willing to move forward and they're willing to do whatever is necessary to protect other young women that are similarly situated."Mark Bailey is representing Sylve in this case. He said there is much more to this story and he hinted through his questioning in court that the timeline of these alleged crimes may help prove Sylve's innocence."It is a unique case, and that's one of the reasons we're so pleased to be a part of it is that it's not your run-of-the-mill case," said Bailey. "There's a lot more to this story than what's written on the mere page."Sylve was facing an additional two counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, but those were dropped in court on Wednesday.His arraignment has been set for April 11. A trial could start as early as this summer.Crime footer
CHICKASHA, Okla. —
A Grady County judge ruled that Christopher Sylve, 24, will face trial for second-degree rape and knowingly intending to transfer HIV.
Prosecutors with the Grady County District Attorney's Office said Sylve faces three counts of rape in the second degree for a sexual relationship he had with a girl who was 14 years old at the time.
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They said he also faces two counts of knowingly intending to transfer HIV. One of those counts is for the underage victim. The other is for his wife who is the mother of his son.
Leah Edwards, the Grady County assistant district attorney, said the victims who have stepped forward are hoping to protect other women.
"They have been very strong," said Edwards. "They are seeking justice. They are willing to move forward and they're willing to do whatever is necessary to protect other young women that are similarly situated."
Mark Bailey is representing Sylve in this case. He said there is much more to this story and he hinted through his questioning in court that the timeline of these alleged crimes may help prove Sylve's innocence.
"It is a unique case, and that's one of the reasons we're so pleased to be a part of it is that it's not your run-of-the-mill case," said Bailey. "There's a lot more to this story than what's written on the mere page."
Sylve was facing an additional two counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, but those were dropped in court on Wednesday.
His arraignment has been set for April 11. A trial could start as early as this summer.