A man charged in the deaths of two former girlfriends pleaded not guilty Tuesday to first-degree rape, according to the Harrison County clerk's office.

Bass Webb, 31, who was indicted Dec. 14, is accused of sexually assaulting Bryia Runiewicz, 32.

Webb is charged with murder in the slaying of Runiewicz, who was found dead in her home in Cynthiana on July 31, 2009. Webb also was charged with being a persistent felony offender.

On Tuesday, defense attorneys were given until Jan. 24 to respond to a motion that the cases be combined. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 1.

Webb's attorney, Lexington public defender Tom Griffiths, has said Runiewicz and Webb lived together. He said there was no evidence of rape.

Webb also is charged with murder in the death of Sabrina Marie Vaughn in Montgomery County. Vaughn was reported missing in 2003.