Judge Turns Down John, Timothy Rigas

U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Sand denied requests for acquittals or new trials for former Adelphia Communications Corp. executives John Rigas and his son, Timothy Rigas.

Lawyers for the Rigases last month argued that the two men -- who were found guilty of 18 counts of fraud and conspiracy in July -- were not given a fair trial.

Earlier this month, Sand gave the government the green light to pursue a new trial against former Adelphia executive vice president of operations Michael Rigas. A jury acquitted Michael Rigas of wire fraud and conspiracy in July, but it could not come to a decision on 13 counts of securities fraud. A trial date has not yet been set for Michael Rigas.

John and Timothy Rigas are scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 5 in Manhattan.