COLUMBUS, Ohio — The man known as the naked photographer appeared in court Thursday in an attempt to keep his law license.

Stephen Linnen, 35, made his plea to the Ohio Supreme Court Disciplinary Board. He was the first witness to testify at the public hearing, NBC 4’s Nancy Burton reported.

He told the board he became addicted to taking photos of women while he was naked. He described his crime and shame in court.

“I would disrobe. I would usually, from a distance, run up to a victim and, you know, sometimes run by, sometimes stand there (and) usually, take a couple pictures of the reaction,” Linnen said.

Linnen was convicted on more than 50 misdemeanor counts of public indecency and trespassing last year. He was sentenced to 18 months work release.

The Columbus Bar Association said Linnen’s illegal conduct and dishonesty violated the rules that govern attorneys in Ohio.

One of the women Linnen photographed also testified at the hearing.

“I realized he was not clothed. (He) had sneakers and a ski mask on,” said Lois Kellogg, a victim. “I said, ‘What the hell?’ I was frozen and shocked. I still remember very clearly, folding up in the fetal position.”

Linnen’s lawyers said he has received help for his sexual addiction and shouldn’t have to pay with his law license.

“I truly regret that I resorted to what I did. Every day I have to think about that,” Linnen said.

Linnen continues to practice law from his office in Clintonville.

Officials said it could take weeks or months for the three-person panel to decide if his license should be suspended.