Police still seek out victims in Stoddard County HIV case

ST. LOUIS -- Police continue to reach out to additional potential victims after a man with HIV told them he has had sexual relations with up to 300 people in the last decade, including up to 60 in Missouri.

David Mangum of Dexter, Mo., is charged with one count of recklessly infecting another person with HIV, and 21 counts of exposing two additional others to HIV. The 21 counts reflect the alleged number of sexual encounters Mangum had with those two men, neither of whom has developed HIV.

Dexter detective Cory Mills said Monday he is reaching out to potential victims throughout Southeast Missouri.

Mangum pleaded not guilty at a hearing last week and faces a preliminary hearing Oct. 3. He is jailed without bond.

Stoddard County prosecutor Russell Oliver said it was too soon to know if any additional victims would be identified.

"I would encourage possible victims to call this office or Dexter police," Oliver said.

A message seeking comment from Mangum's attorney, Rebecca Burke, was not returned.

Mangum was arrested after a man with whom he'd been intimate tested positive for HIV and alerted police.

Mangum could face up to life in prison if convicted of spreading HIV to another person, and up to 15 years in prison for risking infection to others.

Authorities said many of Mangum's sexual encounters in Missouri were set up through Craigslist ads, often with strangers, including truckers and others just passing through. Mills said Mangum didn't know the names or addresses of most of his sexual partners, making it difficult to track down potential victims and urge them to get tested.

News accounts of Mangum's arrest have prompted a sharp increase in HIV testing in Stoddard County and surrounding areas, according to local health officials.

Mills said Mangum has convictions for prostitution, indecent exposure and public lewdness out of Dallas. Mangum is jailed without bond.