NEWPORT, Ky. (WSMV/AP) - Former Kentucky judge and conservative political activist Timothy Nolan was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to human trafficking and other sex crimes.

A special prosecutor said Tim Nolan, 71, targeted young women and gave them opioids and threatened to withhold the drugs or call law enforcement if they didn't perform sex acts.

Prosecutor Barbara Whaley read statements from some of the women in court. Seven of the 19 victims were under 16 years old.

Nolan maintained his innocence on all charges and tried to delay his sentencing multiple ways, including firing his attorney in March and trying to withdraw his guilty plea.

On Friday, he apologized in court and promised to seek treatment.