DETROIT, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Requests by former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and city contractor Bobby Ferguson for acquittals or new trials were rejected by a federal judge Thursday.
During the hearing, Kilpatrick and Ferguson argued their corruption cases were unfairly handled by prosecutors. Kilpatrick was convicted on 24 counts in March, including racketeering conspiracy. Ferguson was convicted of nine charges.
During the trial, prosecutors cited damning text messages and testimony from scores of witnesses about cash payoffs, bribes and extortion in City Hall, the Detroit News reported.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds said she would explain in writing her decision to deny the men a new trial or an acquittal.
Her order removes one last obstacle before sentencing for Kilpatrick, his father Bernard Kilpatrick and Ferguson, all of whom were found guilty after a five-month trial, the newspaper said.
