A bench trial began Thursday in Lyon County District Court for a man charged with exposing two women to the HIV virus.

The suspect, Robert W. Richardson II, was convicted earlier this year on several similar charges in Douglas County and ordered to serve 32 months in prison.

In Lyon County, Richardson waived his right to a trial by jury. His case is being heard by Judge Jeffrey Larson.

Richardson stipulated, or decided not to contest, the underlying elements of the charges that he was infected by HIV and that he had sexual intercourse with two women, County Attorney Marc Goodman said.

Larson heard testimony from two physicians, one each from the defense and the prosecution. He then directed the prosecution to file briefs in 30 days on the issue of “intent to expose,” Goodman said. The defense will then have 10 days to respond.

Richardson also has similar cases pending in Wyandotte and Johnson counties.