New Mexico Judge Says He Will Be Vindicated of Rape Charge

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The lawyer for a New Mexico judge says he will be vindicated of rape and assault charges once the issues surrounding this case are fully examined and decided.

The Albuquerque Journal reports attorney Ahmad Assed is representing State District Judge Pat Murdoch, who is taking a leave of absence to ensure the allegations don't distract from court cases.

Albuquerque police say the 23-year-old woman who leveled the charges against Murdoch is an admitted prostitute.

In a criminal complaint, she told police the judge paid her for sex eight times. Police say the woman did not report the assault and may have been trying to extort Murdoch with a video of one of their encounters.