By: Associated Press

August 16, 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A federal judge has denied a request for a new trial by former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, who may spend her life in prison after being found guilty of taking money from a sham charity that was purported to be aiding poor students.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan's rulings were issued Wednesday.

The 70-year-old Brown was convicted of taking money from the One Door for Education Foundation and lying on her taxes and congressional financial disclosure forms.

Brown wanted the verdicts thrown out, arguing the judge should not have removed a juror who said he believed Brown was innocent based on guidance he'd received from "the Holy Spirit." Corrigan wrote the juror would've been removed even if he'd said Brown was guilty.

Brown will be sentenced on Nov. 16.

By: Associated Press

July 11, 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A hearing has been scheduled next month for former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown to argue for a new trial after a federal jury convicted her of using a purported charity as a personal slush fund.

The Florida Times-Union reports that a Jacksonville federal judge set an August 7 hearing for Brown's attorneys to make their case for either a new trial or acquittal.

One of the defense's key arguments is that the judge erred by removing a juror who said he received guidance about Brown's innocence from what he described as "the holy spirit." Prosecutors say the judge had no legal choice but to remove the juror.

Brown was convicted of taking money raised for the One Door for Education Foundation and lying on her taxes and congressional financial disclosure forms.

By: Associated Press

June 10, 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown is seeking a new trial after a federal jury found her guilty of using a purported charity for poor children as a personal slush fund.

The Florida Times-Union reports that attorneys for Brown filed a motion for a new trial on Thursday, arguing the former congresswoman's chief aide was behind the scheme to use the charity's funds for lavish parties and other personal expenses.

Brown's attorney James Smith III argues that the government failed to prove that Brown was aware of misdeeds being done by her former chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons.

Jurors found Brown guilty of 18 counts associated with taking money raised for the One Door for Education Foundation and lying on her taxes and congressional financial disclosure forms.