An HIV-positive man accused of exposing hundreds of sexual partners to HIV without telling them, pleaded not guilty Thursday, and is being held on $250,000 cash bond in Dexter, Mo.
David Lee Mangum's former partner submitted a probable-cause statement to police after learning that Mangum was HIV-positive the Los Angeles Timesreports. The partner, identified in documents related to the case as D.B., said he believes he transmitted the virus through unprotected sex with Mangum, who allegedly did not disclose his HIV status throughout their relationship.
After his arrest, Mangum, 37, told police he tested positive for HIV in 2003 and has since encountered approximately 300 sexual partners. During his relationship with D.B., Mangum reportedly also had unprotected sex with multiple people in the area. It is not clear whether those people were aware of Mangum's HIV status.
Following Mangum's arrest, Stoddard County prosecuting attorney Russell Oliver issued a public statement urging anyone who might have had sexual contact with Mangum to be tested.
Under Missouri law, knowingly infecting another person with HIV, is a class A felony and can result in life imprisonment.
According to The Daily Statesman, the Dexter newspaper, a preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sep. 26.
