By JODI SOKOLOWSKI
Buffalo Law Journal

Former state Supreme Court judge Ronald Tills admitted guilt in violating the Mann Act and is prepared to deal with the consequences, his attorney said Thursday.

"Judge Tills admitted in court that he committed a crime, that his conduct was wrong and his judgment was terrible," said Terrence Connors, of Connors & Vilardo LLP.

Before U.S. District Court Judge Hon. William Skretny, Tills, 73, pleaded guilty Thursday to Mann Act charges that he knowingly transported a female for the use of prostitution across state lines.

Tills admitted that in October 2005, he, along with John Trowbridge, Michael Stebick and others, drove a woman from Buffalo to Kentucky so she could be available to engage in prostitution with members of a men's organization. Tills was a member of that organization.

As part of his plea proceedings, Tills admitted engaging in similar conduct five more times.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, but Tills is likely to face between 21 and 26 months, Connors said.

There's a provision in the plea agreement for cooperation with the government's ongoing investigation, he said.

"If his cooperation is determined to be substaintal, he will receive further sentencing consideration. He intends to abide by that agreement," Connors said.

Tills is scheduled to appear before Skretny for sentencing Jan. 12. Trowbridge and Stebick previously entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.