TACOMA - Pierce County Judge Michael Hecht, who was found guilty Wednesday of harassment and patronizing a prostitute, submitted his resignation Monday effective Nov. 16.

"The court's business has been hampered by the absence of a judge to work in Department 9 since March," said Pierce County Superior Court Judge Bryan Chushcoff in a statement Monday, "and it was probable that but for Mr. Hecht's resignation, it would be some considerable time before the matter would be resolved."

Chushcoff said he believes "this decision will begin to restore public confidence in the court and will allow the Governor an opportunity to appoint a new judge who can help shoulder the heavy workload in Pierce County Superior Court. Therefore, we welcome this decision by Mr. Hecht."

Hecht was accused of paying one man for sex multiple times and threatening another man who talked about having sex with him. Hecht is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19.