No prison for former police captain

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A former police captain got caught taking a prostitute across state lines. Now he's learning his fate.

With his wife by his side, former Lockport Police Captain John Trowbridge returned to United States District Court for sentencing.

He won't go to prison, but will spend the next two years on probation for his role in a prostitution ring. He must also register as a sex offender.

His attorney felt the sentence was appropriate.

Trowbridge's attorney David Douglas said, "He had come to a point where he was sincerely remorseful and guilt ridden about his actions and participation in these events, and I think he almost welcomed the chance to get it off his chest."

Trowbridge was arrested last year, along with former State Supreme Court Judge Ronald Tills and his former legal clerk Michael Stebick, for transporting prostitutes across state lines for events sponsored by the Royal Order of Jesters.

Trowbridge fought back tears in court when he told the judge about his lapse in judgement.

Douglas said, "He fell in a couple of traps people fall into with issues involving prostitution. He had the misperception that it was a victimless crime, and that's not the case at all."
"The people caught in these situations, in this case Asian immigrants, are victims."

Retired Judge Tills is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for a status report on his case. Federal agents say all three men have been cooperative as the investigation continues into prostitution activities at other Jesters Events.

Trowbrige declined comment after court.

Douglas said, "He's retired, will continue to live a mundane life which I think he'll welcome after this experience."

Under federal sentencing guidelines, the judge could have sent Trowbridge to prison for up to six months. He said he gave him probation because the retired police officer cooperated with the probe.

News 4 will find out Thursday morning what the status is on the Tills case. He had been scheduled for sentencing.