Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Michael Morgan, who has been the focus of investigations over how he managed court employees, was losing to Seattle prosecutor Rebecca Robertson on Tuesday night.

Robertson, a prosecutor in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for the past six years, said during the campaign that the court needed a new judge who would treat court staff members with integrity and that she was ready to fill that role.

Robertson, 35, has been a prosecutor at the Municipal Court level for 10 years and a judge pro tem for the past two years.

“I’m very hopeful and happy that I’m going to win,” Robertson said Tuesday night. “I hope to just restore confidence in the court.”

Morgan could not be reached for comment.

In the race for the court’s other position, Judge Dave Larson was winning handily against private attorney and prosecutor Renee Walls. Larson, 51, was appointed in February 2008 to an unexpired term. Walls, 40, is an attorney with Kenyon Disend law firm in Issaquah, where she works as a prosecutor for the City of Burien.

Larson would likely be the court’s presiding judge, the role Morgan now holds.

Morgan, 50, was elected in November 2005 to a four-year term. He was reprimanded by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct last year for swearing at the city’s police chief, making intimidating comments to court staff and making inappropriate jokes and comments to court employees.

The state Supreme Court in June unanimously ordered that The News Tribune be given the report of an outside investigator hired by the city. She concluded in February 2008 that Morgan yelled and made sexist and rude remarks to court employees, and retaliated against those who crossed him.

Morgan also faces a hearing by the Public Disclosure Commission, which alleges he violated state election laws when his city computer was used to post newspaper Web site items criticizing two foes in the primary. Morgan denied using or authorizing the use of city equipment for political purposes, and said he was the victim of “cyber tricks.”

His controversies have not involved how he has ruled from the bench. During the campaign, Morgan maintained he was the best candidate, based on his experience and qualifications.

At stake in Tuesday’s election are two four-year terms handling misdemeanor cases for an annual salary of $134,623.

Larson and Morgan are Federal Way residents. Walls and Robertson live in Seattle.

Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647 steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com