Judge Denies Request to Dismiss Charges Against Rowland

A judge has denied a request by former Gov. John G. Rowland to dismiss federal charges that accused him of trying to create secret consultant roles with two congressional campaigns.

Rowland argued in May that he did nothing wrong, denying the consulting contracts were false.

Judge Janet Bond Arterton ruled Tuesday that whether the allegation can be proven is an issue for the jury to determine, not the court on a pretrial motion to dismiss.

Rowland pleaded not guilty in April to conspiracy, falsifying records in a federal investigation, causing false statements to be made to the Federal Election Commission, and causing illegal campaign contributions.

Rowland argued the indictment didn't specify how he caused a false filing with the FEC, but Arterton said it's sufficient to allege Rowland was part of a conspiracy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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