Joliet man denies endangerment in HIV infection

A 52-year-old Joliet man has denied a felony endangerment charge that alleges he infected an unknowing sexual partner with the virus that causes AIDS.
    
The Billings Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/WLG13z ) Peter Clifton Northcutt entered his plea Wednesday before District Judge Blair Jones in Red Lodge. Jones continued Northcutt's bond at $50,000.
    
The charge alleges Northcutt failed to disclose his medical condition to a man with whom he had a three-year sexual relationship. The man contracted the human immunodeficiency virus.
    
Northcutt also faces trial in April on two counts of assault on a peace officer and aggravated animal cruelty for a July 2011 shooting at his residence. Prosecutors say Northcutt shot at two officers sent to check on his welfare and then shot and killed 55 husky and husky-mix sled dogs kenneled on the property.