NEWPORT, Ky. -- A former Campbell County Judge, who was expected to be sentenced Thursday on human trafficking charges, is now asking to withdraw his guilty plea.
A judge was expected to sentence Timothy Nolan, 71, after Nolan had pleaded guilty to 21 counts as part of a plea deal in February. Prosecutors recommended a 20-year sentence.
Nolan now wants to withdraw his guilty plea due to what he says is some type of conflict of interest regarding his attorneys.
Drama in court! Former Campbell Co judge Timothy Nolan was going to be sentenced today on human trafficking charges. He’s now asking to withdraw his guilty plea and he just fired his attorneys. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/EQKzcuZjru
— T.J. Parker (@TJParkerWCPO) March 29, 2018
The ex-judge faced 30 charges as more victims came forward after he was first charged last April. Nolan pleaded guilty to 21 counts as part of a plea deal. He is due to be sentenced next month. Prosecutors have recommended a 20-year sentence.
Nolan fired his attorneys Thursday, and a public defender is currently representing him.
Timothy Nolan now back in court, represented by a public defender. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/ClAHuXk3cx
— T.J. Parker (@TJParkerWCPO) March 29, 2018
Nolan is accused of forcing 19 victims into performing sex acts. He's also accused of threatening at least one victim that he'd get her in trouble with her parole officer if she didn't comply. Some of the victims were underage at the time.
In addition to firing his attorneys, Nolan asked Judge Kathy Lape to recuse herself, but Lape denied his request. Nolan also requested that he serve as co-counsel in his case.
Lape scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. May 4.
WCPO will update this developing story.
