Former Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi’s request for a new trial has been denied. A federal judge on Friday refused to reverse Renzi’s corruption convictions and will sentence the Flagstaff Republican next week.
Renzi was convicted in June on public corruption, money laundering and other charges connected to his involvement in a land swap deal.
The 55-year-old was also accused of using his office for personal financial gain and looting a family insurance business to help pay for his 2002 campaign. Renzi's lawyers argued that the evidence was not enough to back up the jury's verdict, but a federal judge in Tucson denied the motions.
Renzi represented Arizona's sprawling first Congressional District from 2003 until 2009. He is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Tucson. The U.S. Probation Office has recommended a 33-month federal prison term.