Anti-Prostitution Crusader Charges Cover-Up

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

John Reese, a longtime opponent of Nevada's legal brothels, picketed Monday with his two adult children outside the building that houses the state's sexually transmitted disease control program.

Reese said he was told by the daughter of a woman who works as a prostitute in the Sagebrush Ranch, east of Carson City, that another prostitute tested positive for HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

But Bob Nellis, director of the state's sexually transmitted disease program, said no prostitute working in a legal Nevada brothel has tested positive for HIV. Another 26 women were denied work cards after they tested positive in pre-employment examinations.

Nellis said 225 to 275 women work as legal prostitutes in about 35 brothels in rural counties. Since 1986, they have been required by the state to submit to pre-employment and monthly tests for HIV.

Customers of prostitutes are required to wear condoms, although Reese and others allege they ignore the requirement if paid additional money.

While no legal prostitutes have tested positive, Nellis said more than 225 illegal prostitutes with HIV have been arrested over the years by Las Vegas police.

State law allows rural counties to decide whether to legalize prostitution. Prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe or Carson City. But the Sagebrush and four other brothels operate at Moundhouse in Lyon County about four miles east of the capital city.

Reese, 51, who admits having regularly visited prostitutes as a young man, considers prostitution degrading to women and against biblical teachings. He heads a small group called Nevada Against Prostitution.