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(Salt Lake City, KSL News) -- A plea bargin today in the high profile case of a former Utah County judge accused of drug possession.
Former Judge Ray Harding Junior pleaded guilty to a pair of reduced charges, both misdemeanors. Harding apologized for his actions in a brief statement outside the courtroom after making a guilty plea.
Last July, police were called to Harding's house after a family member called for help. Relatives gave responding officers a small bag of cocaine. And authorities say they also discovered heroin.
Harding was charged with two counts of felony drug possession.
Monday in court, it was a rather surreal scene as Harding heard the words he doubtedly had said to other defendants many times.
3rd District Judge Timothy Hanson methodically went through a series of questions, asking former Judge Harding if he understood the charges, understood the plea, and understood that he was giveing up his right to a trial. Several times Harding said "I understand fully." In the end he pleaded guilty to two Class A misdemeanors.
Ray Harding, Jr./Former Utah County Judge "REGARDLESS OF THE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY PERSONAL LIFE, I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT I DO TAKE FULLY RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACTIONS AND MY DISEASE IN THIS MATTER. I'D ALSO LIKE TO APOLOGIZE TO MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS, MY COLLEAGUES ON THE BENCH AND THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE FOR THE PAIN THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED BY ACTIONS IN THIS MATTER."
Harding says he's been in a three-month substance abuse program, as well as 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program and has maintained his sobriety since his arrest last July.
Harding also says he hopes others suffering from addiction could find hope from his mistakes and on-going recovery.
Sentencing is next month.
Former Judge Harding faces up to 2 years in jail--and a 5-thousand dollar fine.
