A federal judge has denied bail to disgraced Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota and former aid Christopher McPartland. Both men had hoped to remain free while they appealed their conviction.
Judge Joan Azrack ruled that neither defendant had raised substantial objections that were likely to lead to a new trial. They were both convicted of witness tampering and obstruction of justice in covering up the beating of a handcuffed man by former police chief Jim Burke.
In an attempt to remain out of prison, Spota and McPartland argued that the court should not have allowed witnesses to testify that they feared retaliation from Burke. The judge dismissed those claims saying it did raise questions for appeal.
Both men will begin serving their five-year sentences starting December 10.
