Suffolk attorney Johnnie E. Mizelle, who was arrested on sex-related charges last month, will have his day in Suffolk Circuit Court on April 6.

Laurel Uhlar, the special prosecutor from Newport News handling the case, said she will be ready to proceed with the case against the former Suffolk mayor and community leader that day. Mizelle, 58, was charged with one count each of assault and battery and solicitation for prostitution in January.

The state Supreme Court has appointed a special judge, retired Judge Wiley R. Wright Jr., to hear the case, Uhlar said.

Police report that a 43-year-old woman said she met with Mizelle on Nov. 24 and Dec. 3

when &uot;he assaulted her by groping her with his hands and suggested that she perform sexual favors in exchange for legal fees owed,&uot; Lt. Debbie George, spokeswoman for the Suffolk Police Department, said in January.

Police reportedly have Mizelle’s exchange with his client on tape, said a source close to the case.

Authorities are investigating similar complaints filed by at least seven other women, Uhlar said.

Mizelle has denied any criminal wrongdoing in the incident, said his attorney, Andrew Sacks of Norfolk.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com