Former state district Judge Michael Murphy entered the plea under a deal with prosecutors that dismissed four felony charges and ended a high-profile case that shocked the judiciary two years ago when GOP prosecutors alleged the bribes were part of a long-running practice for picking judges in southern New Mexico.

Under the plea bargain, Murphy was given a 364-day suspended jail sentence, ordered to do 200 hours of community service and barred from ever again holding public office or entering the state district court building in Las Cruces.

Murphy’s indictment followed one of a string of investigations into alleged pay-to-play activities with ties to Richardson, a Democrat, during the last five years.

Special Prosecutor Matt Chandler said he believes he could have won a conviction on the felony charges, but that he agreed to let Murphy plea to the lesser charge because he believes that given Murphy’s age and health issues, it was unlikely he would have faced a stiffer sentence. Additionally, he said, with a plea agreement Murphy is unable to appeal the conviction.

“We have removed him from the bench, and he will forever be a convicted criminal,” Chandler said following the hearing. “This is a just solution for the citizens of Doña Ana county and the defendant.”