WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) Authorities say several women suspected of prostitution have told state police that a Waterbury judicial marshal charged with promoting prostitution posed as a police officer to coerce them to perform sex acts.

The Republican-American reports that a search warrant application filed in connection with the arrest of Michael Connelly says he hosted a suspected prostitute at his apartment where she had sex with at least two men.

Other suspected prostitutes told police Connelly showed them a badge and said he was a cop.

Connelly was arrested last month on charges of promoting prostitution.

In Waterbury Superior Court Wednesday, Connelly's lawyer, Leonard Crone, objected to his client's transfer to Litchfield Superior Court. He said it was an unfair hardship. He said he doesn't know why Connelly's case is treated differently.