Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht tried the blue pills.
They didn’t work, according to his doctor.
Hecht faces charges of patronizing a prostitute and felony harassment. Wednesday, his lawyer offered a simple defense: Hecht couldn’t have had sex with a 21-year-old prostitute because he can’t have sex at all.
Hecht’s physician, Norm Seaholm, provided the clinical testimony. He has treated Hecht since 2007, he said. He listed the 59-year-old patient’s ailments: diabetes, a chronic skin condition, obesity and erectile dysfunction, as far back as 2001.
Defense attorney Wayne Fricke asked whether Hecht sought remedies for the dysfunction. Seaholm said yes, and referred to medical records.
“From the notes, it indicated that they did not work,” he said.
Seaholm’s appearance was intended to counter testimony from Joseph Pfeiffer, a 21-year-old prosecution witness. Monday, Pfeiffer testified that Hecht paid him for sex eight to 10 times between 2006 and 2008. He said the encounters occurred in Hecht’s law office.
Asked whether Hecht was “normal” and able to perform, Pfeiffer had winced before muttering, “Yeah.” He wasn’t asked for more detail.
Wednesday, Seaholm gave a fuller description. Hecht had a prominent cyst, he said. It was plain, even to nonmedical eyes.
Hecht’s weight was another hindrance to sex, Seaholm said. He used medical terms. Fricke translated them for jurors.
Assistant attorney general John Hillman started a cross-examination.
Erectile dysfunction could have psychological causes, right?
Yes, Seaholm said.
So, Hillman asked, it could be overcome under the right circumstances?
Yes, Seaholm said.
Despite his weight, Hecht wasn’t entirely disabled – he could use the bathroom, right?
Yes, Seaholm said.
“Sexual function, I don’t know,” he added. “Erectile dysfunction is an assumed diagnosis.”
Hillman suggested that a heavyset person could lie on the floor. Wouldn’t that alleviate certain problems?
Yes, Seaholm said.
Hillman was finished. Seaholm left the witness stand.
The doctor was the last witness of the day. The trial will resume Monday.
Earlier, a procession of antique dealers had spoken for the defense. All were tied to Antique Row on Broadway, where prosecutors allege Hecht cruised for sex.
The dealers described Hecht’s interest in antiques. He had sold items on consignment, done some upholstery work and offered informal legal advice, they said.
Hecht was a regular, a friend, said Linda Lick, who owns a store on the row. He would stop by to shoot the breeze, talking business and parking problems. Sometimes he would stay for an hour, just chatting.
Lick said Hecht used to visit the Mecca Theater, the old adult film house shuttered in 2006. The place had a snack he couldn’t resist.
“He loves the chicken soup at the vending machine,” Lick said, smiling. At the defense table, Hecht smiled, too.
Sean Robinson: 253-597-8486
sean.robinson@thenewstribune.com
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