Olympic event rider Darren Chiacchia has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of having sex with his partner and not telling him that he was HIV positive.

Chiacchia waived his right to appear for his arraignment in a Marion County, FL courtroom Tuesday.

His Louisiana based lawyer Baron Coleman told WCTV that he advised his client not to appear in court in order to avoid any unwanted media attention.

Chiacchia has asked for a speedy trial which means that the prosecution will have 175 days to go to trial or settle the case.

Coleman says that in his opinion he would be very surprised if this case went to trial.

The 45-year old was arrested in Ocala in late January and tells us that he will be in Tallahassee for the Red Hills Horse Trials next weekend, but hasn't decided whether he will ride.