TACOMA, Wash. – Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht submitted his resignation Monday after being convicted last week of felony harassment and patronizing a prostitute.
" … in order to uphold the integrity of the court system of which I feel strongly about, I do not believe I have any choice but to resign, said Hecht in a letter to Bryan Chushcoff, presiding judge of Pierce County Superior Court.
A jury found the Hecht guilty of paying one man for sex multiple times and threatening to kill another who had talked about having sex with him.
Despite the conviction, Hecht and his wife argue that the verdict was a disappointing result of a political attack. Hecht said after the verdict was read that the jurors were fooled by the testimony of drug addicts and prostitutes.
The resignation is effective Nov. 16.
"It is my intent to keep fighting to reverse this injustice and reinstate my good name," said in his resignation letter. "But I will do that independently of attempting to remain on the bench under the current situation. I have requested nothing in return for this resignation."
"We believe that this decision will begin to restore public confidence in the court and will allow the Governor an opportunity to appoint a new judge who can help shoulder the heavy workload in Pierce County Superior Court," said Chushcoff in a statement.
Hecht, who has no criminal history, faces up to 90 days in jail. The state commission on judicial conduct will review Hecht's actions in February and based on their findings they can recommend his
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