The former New South Wales state minister for Aboriginal affairs, Milton Orkopoulos, lived a double life preying on vulnerable young boys while also working as a respected politican, the Newcastle District Court was told.

Orkopoulos, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted on 28 charges related to drug supply and the sexual abuse of three boys who were aged 15 and 16 when the offences occurred.

Prosecutor Helen Wilson said Orkopoulos, 50, plied teenaged boys with cash, cannabis and heroin to lure them into sex acts with him between 1995 and 2004.

She said he used his 'sordid genius' to prey on their vulnerabilities, exploiting the poverty of one, the political ambitions of another and the need of a third for a father figure.

Orkopoulos was sacked as a minister shortly after his arrest in November 2006. Sentencing hearings will begin next Thursday. -- AFP