Supreme Court says Glastonbury businessman convicted of sex trafficking can’t be forced into AIDS test - at least for now
The state Supreme Court granted a reprieve Wednesday to a Glastonbury businessman fighting a court order that he submit to tests for sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS following his arrest and conviction for crimes associated with his involvement in a sex trafficking ring.
The legal win could be short-lived for Bruce Bemer, whose businesses include Waterford Speedbowl and Bemer Petroleum. The high court sent the case back to the judge who ordered the tests with instructions to schedule another hearing on the same question while applying a different legal analysis.
Bemer, 66, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison a year ago for his participation in a Danbury sex trafficking ring that exploited young men afflicted by drug addiction or mental illness. He was accused of patronizing a prostitute and conspiracy to commit human trafficking. He admitted to authorities that, over 20 to 25 years, a pimp procured eight to 10 boys for him, most of whom he had sex with repeatedly.
Bemer is out of jail on bond, but confined to his home, while appealing the conviction. In December he was treated for stab wounds and a man who lived with him in his house was charged with attempted murder.
A judge ordered that Bemer submit to the tests in October 2017, seven months after his arrest. A state prosecutor and several of Bemer’s victims, who are suing him, asked for the tests.
