TACOMA, Wash. - Former Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht escaped a jail term as he was sentenced Thursday for his conviction last month on charges of patronizing a prostitute and harassment.

Instead, King County Superior Court Judge James Cayce sentenced Hecht to 240 hours of community service and "John School."

"You knew what you'd done when you ran for judge. You knew that you'd be under scrutiny as a judge, and you deserve everything you've gotten," Cayce told Hecht in the courtroom. "But I agree ... that you have suffered greatly already by your wrongdoing."

Hecht wept openly and audibly as the sentence was handed down, rubbing his eyes.

In a statement made before his sentencing, Hecht said, "I'd like to apologize for the embarrassment this case has caused the judiciary."

But he continued to maintain his innocence, as he did during the trial itself, repeating claims that his accusers had never been in his car or office. He said they were "coerced" into testifying against him.

During the trial, Hecht was accused of paying one man for sex multiple times and threatening another man who talked about having sex with him.

Hecht denied the allegations, claiming he's not a sex client but rather a grandfatherly type just trying to help people.

The Pierce County jury didn't buy Hecht's version of events, taking about a day to return the guilty verdicts on Oct. 28.

Following the conviction, Hecht submitted his resignation from the Superior Court bench, which took effect Monday.