Testimony is to begin this morning in the trial of Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony harassment and patronizing a prostitute.
Assistant attorney general John Hillman, who is prosecuting the case, and defense attorney Wayne Fricke are expected to make their opening statements beginning about 9 a.m.
A jury of nine men and five women was seated to hear the case Tuesday afternoon. Two of those jurors will serve as alternates. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
Hillman contends in charging documents that Hecht bought sex from one young man on a number of occasions and threatened to kill another man who claims he sold sex to Hecht in the past.
The judge contends hes the victim of a political vendatta being pursued by the supporters of the man he beat in the August 2008 election, incumbent Sergio Armijo.
The News Tribune plans to file periodic updates on the trial on its Lights & Sirens blog, blog.thenewstribune.com/crime. For past coverage of the case, visit www.thenewstribune.com/hecht.
Adam Lynn, The News Tribune
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