Attorneys demand answer from accused Pierce County judge

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By Michelle Esteban & KOMO Staff

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. -- A new Superior Court judge is accused of sexual misconduct and seven attorneys, in an unprecedented move, are demanding that Judge Michael Hecht either publicly deny or admit to the allegations.

The accusations allege Hecht had sexual relations with male prostitutes and with a minor, then threatened harm if they did not keep quiet.

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"It has nothing to do with Judge Hecht as an individual. It has to do with what the public expects from our officials, especially our judicial officials. These are people who sit in judgment of others."

Pierce County Prosecutor Gerald Horne has already said his staff won't try cases before Hecht, saying he doesn't want to risk any criminal cases.

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