San Diego

Former San Diego County Supervisor Paul Eckert was arraigned a day early on a misdemeanor count of soliciting a prostitute.

Eckert, 53, of Vista, was to have appeared today for arraignment, but his attorney, Steve Feldman, appeared Wednesday.

Feldman entered the innocent plea on behalf of Eckert, who was not present, Deputy City Atty. Stu Swett said. Attorneys in misdemeanor cases can enter pleas without their clients present.

Municipal Judge Linda Quinn set a March 11 readiness conference and allowed Eckert to remain free on his own recognizance.

Eckert was cited Dec. 11 after he allegedly approached a female undercover officer who was posing as a prostitute near El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego.

In June, 1986, Eckert finished third in the primary race for his North County district seat.

In 1983, it was revealed that Eckert spent an evening bar hopping with a woman later indicted for involvement with a prostitution ring. A vice officer followed Eckert and two women to the County Administration Center, then to a restaurant and bars.

If convicted, Eckert, who was once the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, could receive six months in jail and a $500 fine.