Rage At Man Accused Of Spreading HIV

Friends and relatives of alleged victims of Anthony Eugene Whitfield, 24, erupted in anger at seeing Whitfield in court.

"I hope he rots in jail," said a friend of a possible victim.

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The father of one woman who has tested positive for HIV said the defendant is also the father of his grandchild.

"He's lived a miserable life and that misery has been spread to other people," said the man, who didn't want to be identified.

Since police released Whitfield's picture on Friday, asking other potential victims to come forward, officials with the Thurston County Health Department said they have been overwhelmed by calls from potential victims of Whitfield.

"We've had roughly 70 phone calls. We've had some of those people come to us for testing," said Sherri McDonald, Thurston County Health Director.

Health officials said anyone with concerns about contact they may have had with Anthony Whitfield should call the Health Department at (360) 786-5581.

The health department is offering confidential testing and counseling.