PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The judge in the case of a Thomaston man who’s accused in an alleged prostitution operation in Kennebunk is stepping aside from the case.

The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/Unr72v ) says Superior Court Justice Joyce Wheeler has decided to recuse herself from the case, which may involve numerous prominent clients. Wheeler gave no reason for her decision and is not required to.

Wheeler, who normally sits in Cumberland County, had been specially assigned to the case of Mark Strong Sr. because there were concerns that if York County judges knew any of the witnesses, they would have to recuse themselves.

Strong’s lawyer, Daniel Lilley, had argued in court last week that Wheeler should not hear the case. She declined to recuse herself then, but has since changed her mind.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com