TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - A state Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for former Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht who was convicted in 2009 of felony harassment and patronizing a prostitute.
The News Tribune reports (https://is.gd/sEf3Jn ) the decision Tuesday said flagrant misconduct by the assistant attorney general who prosecuted Hecht prevented him from getting a fair trial.
In closing arguments, the prosecutor used photos of Hecht that had the word “guilty” superimposed on them in red.
Hecht was charged after a heroin addict who worked as a prostitute said the judge threatened to kill him if he revealed Hecht had hired him for sex.
Hecht was sentenced to community service. He resigned and has been disbarred.
Hecht said Tuesday he lost everything in the past five years.
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Information from: The News Tribune, https://www.thenewstribune.com
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