“Tough-On-Crime” Legislator Pleads Guilty to

Former GOP state Assemblyman George C. ”Chris” Ortloff pleaded guilty in federal court this week to a felony charge stemming from his attempt to have sex with two sisters, ages 11 and 12. A former member of the state Parole Board, Ortloff, 61, now faces a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum of life in prison. He was a staunch “tough-on-crime” legislator who called for severe sentences for sex offenders.

Under his plea, he admits to a single count of online enticement of minors. Prosecutors will recommend a reduced sentence. However, the court is not bound to follow such a recommendation.

Ortloff was arrested at a motel where he went expecting to have sex with two minors — part of a police sting. His discussed having sex with the girls with their “mother,” including specific sex acts that he wanted to perform. He was arrested with two vibrators, ”one for each minor,” along with lubricant and condoms. It is hardly a surprise that he took a plea under such circumstances, but it is curious why the prosecutors would want to give him one.

Ortloff, 61, of Plattsburgh, was appointed to the board in 2006 by Gov. George Pataki. His plea will now help him avoid some of those severe sentences that he advocates as a legislator. However, his will be in jail for a considerable length of time.

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