Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht’s trial on charges of harassment and patronizing a prostitute officially was postponed Wednesday.

Hecht was to go on trial this week for allegedly threatening to kill one man and buying sex from another, but a missing witness prompted prosecutors to seek a monthlong delay Tuesday.

Visiting King County Superior Court Judge James Cayce had held out hope that Tacoma police might track down witness Joseph Pfeiffer overnight Tuesday, but they did not.

So Cayce on Wednesday continued the trial to Oct. 12 to give police more time to look for Pfeiffer.

Detectives have been searching for Pfeiffer since June, when a subpoena was issued requiring him to appear in court to testify at Hecht’s trial. A material witness warrant authorizing police to arrest him since has been issued.

Pfeiffer reportedly is homeless. Assistant attorney general John Hillman told Cayce he believes Pfeiffer has gone into hiding because he does not want to testify against Hecht.

Hillman alleges in charging documents that Hecht paid Pfeiffer for sex on a number of occasions last year and earlier this year. Hecht denies the allegations. If Pfeiffer cannot be found, Hillman will be forced to drop the soliciting charge against Hecht.

Adam Lynn, The News Tribune