Murdoch off the bench for good

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Judge Pat Murdoch asked the State Supreme Court to let him retire as of this Friday.  The Supreme Court said go right ahead. 

Tuesday the District Court Judge who is accused of rape, suddenly announced his retirement.

The court agreed but the deal means Murdoch will never again be a judge in New Mexico. 

A week ago police arrested Murdoch and charged him with rape after a prostitute he met online, claimed he performed oral sex on her against her will. The woman told police Murdoch paid her for sex 8 times in the past month.  Police say those sex acts took place at the Judge's Northeast Albuquerque home.  Police say she secretely videotaped one of the visits and sold the DVD to undercover officers.

An attorney for Murdoch says the judge's reputation is damaged beyond repair -- making it impossible for him to return on the bench.

Bernalillo County D.A. Kari Brandenburg has turned Murdoch's criminal case over to Santa Fe County D.A. Angela Spence Pacheco, so there is no conflict of interest. 

Murdoch makes $113,000 a year.  He will receive 75 percent of that for his retirement.  That does not include payout for vacation and sick time.