Dexter man gets 30 years in HIV-exposure case

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Butler County judge sentenced a Dexter, Missouri, man to 30 years in prison after saying he willingly and intentionally put sexual partners at risk for HIV.

David Lee Mangum, 39, appeared before Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett for sentencing Tuesday afternoon.

Mangum pleaded guilty June 2 to two felonies of exposing another person to HIV infection.

The allegation in count IV of Mangum's sentencing assment report said between April 1, 2013, and April 30, 2013, knowing he was infected with HIV, Mangum "recklessly exposed" the victim to HIV infection without that person's knowledge and consent.

Regarding Mangum's HIV status, Pritchett said, it was his "understanding" Mangum first learned he was HIV positive in 2003 and received medical treatment from 2003 to 2009.

Pritchett asked why Mangum stopped treatment after moving to Stoddard County in 2009.

Mangum indicated he didn't have transportation for doctor's visits.

"You made the choice to not get treatment?" Pritchett asked.

"Pretty much," Mangum replied.

One victim, Pritchett said, reported asking Mangum whether he was "disease free," and Mangum saying he was.

Mangum said he did not recall saying that.

"You did not disclose your condition at the time," Pritchett said.

Mangum answered no, as he did when asked whether "protection was used."

"You made the decision not to take action to protect your partner? ... You realize you placed others are risk," Pritchett said.

Mangum, who answered affirmatively, was asked about two "different" statements he made regarding the number of sexual partners.

When Mangum initially was interviewed by officers, the judge said, Mangum reported more than 300; however, he told the SAR investigator 12.

"I was trying to make my partner jealous," Mangum told the judge. " ... I believe 12 is more accurate."

Mangum denied disclosing his "condition" to any of the 12.

When asked about his "plan" if he is released from incarceration, Mangum said he planned to apply for disability based on his HIV status.

Mangum also admitted to using marijuana but not when "engaging" in the conduct for which he was charged.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver told the judge he found the "high risk" of a sex offender re-offending as "most disturbing."

"Given the fact, even after he had knowledge of his HIV-positive status, additional victims were named," Oliver said.

There were a number of occasions, according to Oliver, when Mangum was "engaging in sex acts at a public park."

" ... The fact he is charged with recklessly exposing others to HIV, while in jail, he has been defecating in public areas ... (performing sex acts) around other inmates, further exposing those to his condition."

Fox described her client as being educated and apologetic.

Fox told Pritchett that Mangum understood the seriousness of the offenses and would do well on probation.