Airman pleads for mercy in HIV exposure case

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A court-martialed Air Force sergeant convicted of exposing unwitting sex partners to HIV at swinger parties has begged a judge to let him keep the military medical benefits he needs to live.

Tech Sgt. David Gutierrez said in court Wednesday that he thanks God every day none of his sexual partners contracted the disease. He told a court-martial judge that the possibility of a future without government assistance to pay for his medical care “scares him to the core.”

The 43-year-old sergeant says he’s willing to spend more time in jail rather than lose the benefits.

The judge earlier Wednesday found Gutierrez guilty on seven of eight counts of aggravated assault and violating his commander’s order to notify partners about his HIV status and use condoms.