Additional alleged victims come forward in HIV-infection case

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Additional individuals have reached out to police after learning of the arrest of David Mangum.

Mangum, 36, was arrested Aug. 26 after his former partner went to the police after a positive HIV test. Mangum is charged with felony recklessly infecting another with HIV.

The charge carries the possibility of life in prison.

Since the story broke, Dexter Police Department detective Cory Mills said he has interviewed six people affected by the case and still has more scheduled. He declined to comment on how many interviews remained.

Mills confirmed that two of the six he has interviewed do plan to pursue charges.

He declined to comment as to how many of those have tested positive.

Mills said an individual may press charges even if not found to carry HIV.

The first alleged victim approached police Aug. 26, and said he had been lied to regarding Mangum's HIV status before their first sexual encounter in 2012. The two were in a relationship from November through June.

Upon being interviewed by police, Mangum admitted to having tested positive for HIV in 2003. He claims to have had 300 partners since being tested -- 50 to 60 of which he said are in Stoddard County.

When Mills asked why he had not disclosed his positive test to sexual partners, Mangum said, "Fear of rejection."

Anyone who has been involved with Mangum may contact the Stoddard County Public Health Center in Bloomfield at 573-568-4593 for anonymous testing.

Mangum is scheduled to appear for arraignment Thursday before Judge Joe Z. Satterfield. Mangum remains in the Stoddard County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, Mo.