Former Oregon Democratic House Speaker Dave Hunt arrested in connection with sex trafficking sting

Former Democratic Oregon House Speaker Dave Hunt has been arrested in an undercover police sex trafficking sting, according to police.

The Portland Police Department said in a statement Saturday that Hunt was one of eight men caught in April in an undercover sex trafficking operation, whereby police officers posted online decoy ads on known sex trafficking websites.

Police said the 53-year-old Hunt and others "contacted undercover police officers to arrange payment for sexual acts."

The eight individuals were charged in connection with commercial sexual solicitation, a misdemeanor under Oregon law and can punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a maximum $6,250 fine, or both, according to The Epoch Times.

Hunt is now a lobbyist and  serves as an education board member for Clackamas Community College.

The school said Hunt is taking a leave of absence from the board "effective immediately."

Hunt’s attorney, Micheal De Munis, told the Portland Tribune his client "denies the allegations, but respects the criminal justice process and will refrain from saying more until he has his opportunity in court."