A federal judge ruled for the second time that former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman is a flight risk and ordered him to remain in federal custody while he awaits sentencing in an elaborate $1.25 million fraud scheme.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered the former GOP lawmaker detained in April after his conviction, following a four-week jury trial, on 23 criminal counts, including mail and wire fraud, violating federal election law, making excessive campaign contributions and lying on a federal tax return.

CONVICTION: Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman convicted in massive fraud scheme

Stockman's attorneys asked last week that their 61-year-old client, who is diabetic, be permitted to be free on restricted bond so that that he can seek "necessary medical attention and treatment prior to sentencing." His lawyers said in court documents he had not been receiving sufficient medical attention at the Joe Corley Detention Center in Conroe and he hoped to get evaluations and treatment in advance of his sentencing scheduled for August 17.

Stockman's lawyers outlined a broad range of ailments he suffered during several weeks in federal custody, including nose bleeds, bouts of vertigo and fainting. The facility's diet is not adequate for his medical needs, they said. His insulin tests are not being administered in a timely fashion, which caused the ex-congressman to suffer a blackout. Stockman did not receive blood pressure medicine or Vitamin D and calcium required to treat bone loss in his spine, and has lost 20 pounds while in custody and has a cataract that needs to be removed.

"Without the help of his physicians, he may suffer from significant health related issues, increasing the burden on prison staff to manage, and literally shortening if not risking his own life," they argued. "To deny him access to these professionals is already having an unwarranted adverse effect on his health and his defense."

FULL STORY: Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman convicted of corruption scheme

EDITORIAL: So long, Steve Stockman

In denying the request, the judge said she would instruct the U.S. Marshals Service to work with the staff at the detention facility to ensure that Stockman receives the treatment and medication he needs.

Rosenthal explained in her terse four-page order that Stockman, who used Bitcoin and burner phones and helped an aide avoid FBI detection for years in Egypt, did not meet his burden to convince her he is not a flight risk. The judge noted the prosecution's argument that Stockman has traveled the world extensively and has government contacts in Egypt, the Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, and he and faces "approximately 283 years" in prison.

Attorney Sean Buckley said he respected the judge’s ruling, but said, “I’m disappointed that Mr. Stockman will remain in custody pending sentencing. I firmly believe he is not a flight risk.”

Gabrielle Banks covers federal court for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and send her tips at gabrielle.banks@chron.com.