More alleged victims of HIV suspect come forward

By COREY NOLES

The Daily Statesman

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Dexter man accused of recklessly exposing others to HIV has been charged with 21 counts.

Just one day after a hearing where David Mangum was denied reduced bond, his bond was revoked. This means Mangum will remain in jail until his case is decided.

As additional victims have come forward in the case against Mangum, new charges have been anticipated.

The charges were announced Friday by Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver.

An amended complaint was filed in Stoddard County court that dropped the initial felony count and replaced it with 21 felony counts of recklessly exposing another to HIV.

The new charges include 21 sexual incidents between Mangum and two additional victims, including the original.

Also attached to the complaint were two additional probable-cause affidavits filed by Dexter Police Detective Cory Mills.

Each of the affidavits detail Mills approaching the victims and discussing their sexual relationship with Mangum. Both admitted to multiple encounters, and both say they were lied to by Mangum regarding his HIV status.

One victim, who was mentioned in the original affidavit as the occasional "third partner," stated he is planning to schedule a test soon and is "concerned he would also be HIV positive." Mills said the victim appeared quite upset.

The other newly named victim stated he met Mangum on an Internet website used by men to meet other men looking for sexual activity.

This victim allegedly stated he "does not want to die from HIV," and he has been extremely emotional since learning of Mangum's status.

All three victims have reportedly agreed to cooperate with authorities.

More charges are possible as the investigation continues.

Mills has interviewed allegedly affected people for the past week and said he has "four or five" more scheduled in the county.

Mills said he has people to interview in Dunklin County as well and has spoken with people from surrounding counties.

The first victim approached police Aug. 26 and stated 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 2012 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 stated are in Stoddard County.

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

If anyone you know has been sexually involved with Mangum, he or she should call the Stoddard County Public Health Center in Bloomfield at 568-4593 for anonymous testing.

Mangum is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 26 before Judge Joe Z. Satterfield.