Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Hecht has resigned his position on the bench. Hecht, 59, recently found guilty of felony harassment and paying a man for sex, today sent a letter of resignation to the court and to Gov. Chris Gregoire. His resignation is effective Nov. 16 – three days before his scheduled sentencing on the charges.

Hecht’s letter, sent to presiding judge Bryan Chushcoff, states that as a result of his conviction, “in order to uphold the integrity of the court system of which I feel strongly about, I do not believe I have any choice but to resign.”

Hecht added that he intends “to keep fighting to reverse this injustice and reinstate my good name. But I will do that independently of attempting to remain on the bench under the current situation.”

The resignation triggers an official vancancy on the Superior Court bench, which allows Gregoire to begin the process of appointing a successor.

A statement from Chushcoff said that the court has been hampered by the absence of a judge. Hecht had been on paid leave since March.

“We welcome this decision by Mr. Hecht,” Chushcoff’s statement said, in part.