Gang Member With AIDS Faces 3 Years In Prison

VICTORVILLE (AP) — A Southern California gang member accused of having sex without telling women he has AIDS is facing up to three years in prison.

San Bernardino County prosecutor Cecilia Joo says 41-year-old Dennis Arthur Rios pleaded guilty to one count of intent to expose another person to AIDS through sexual activity. The Apple Valley man was initially charged with two counts when he was arrested and arraigned a year ago.

He will be sentenced Oct. 22.

Sheriff's investigators told the Victorville Daily Press that the number of women who had sex with Rios isn't clear, saying they may be embarrassed or intimidated because Rios is a gang member.

Investigators say Rios apparently gave others homemade tattoos using needles he had previously used on himself.

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