Former judge in Kentucky fighting sex charges

[...] he sits in jail, awaiting trial on explosive accusations by prosecutors that he snared 17 women and juveniles into having sex over a seven-year period by using money, drugs and threats.

The former judge's fall to accused sex offender has rocked northern Kentucky, where Nolan was long a fixture in political and legal circles in the suburban sprawl just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

Grubbs also said Nolan poses no flight risk and should receive home detention while awaiting trial, adding, "He's 70 years old and he has medical issues."

In a court filing, Assistant Attorney General Barbara Whaley said some alleged victims were drug addicts, and that Nolan, as a former judge, used that to his advantage to obtain sex with his victims.

"The defendant used money, drugs, housing, threats to call the probation office, and violent acts, as means to coerce, deceive and force these women to engage in commercial sexual activity, for months and sometimes years," she wrote.

Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell said he was reluctant to release information, citing an ongoing investigation with "too many moving parts," and alleged interference with the supposed victims that prompted the witness tampering charge.

Fellow tea party supporter Erik Hermes said Nolan's political allies are withholding judgment as the former judge fights the charges.