PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Michael Johns, a veteran of 17 years with the Pittsburgh Police Department, resigned today.

“I resigned today because I have a lot of charges against me and I want to spend my time and attention to defend myself,” he told KDKA-TV.

Johns, 43, was arrested by Allegheny County Police last month, charged with promoting prostitution, insurance fraud, filing false reports, drug possession and conspiracy.

After his arrest, he was placed on paid administrative leave.

His attorney, Phillip DiLucente, said his client stepped down now only to focus on the criminal charges.

Johns has a preliminary hearing next month but he wants to focus on other areas of employment opportunities as well.

“My mother is really stressed and she’s really worried about me and it hurts me that my mother is hurting,” he said.

Allegheny County Police have not said whether John’s arrest is related in any way to the arrests earlier this year of two city detectives on prostitution charges in Moon Township.

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