JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge has ruled that the convictions of former Jacksonville city council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown will stand, denying their requests for an acquittal or a new trial. The charges stemmed from a federally-backed loan and a city grant utilized by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. Katrina Brown was convicted on all 37 counts she faced, and Reggie Brown was convicted on 33 of the 34 counts against him. A week later, Katrina Brown, acting as her own attorney, filed similar motions, claiming her constitutional rights were violated by her co-defendant’s attorney.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As expected, the U.S. Attorney's Office has asked a judge to deny motions for a new trial made earlier this month by convicted former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown. Katrina Brown was found guilty on all 37 counts she faced and Reggie Brown was found guilty on 33 of 34 counts he faced. Katrina Brown argued a mistrial should have been granted over assertions made in opening statements by Reggie Brown's lawyer. Reggie Brown's lawyer told the jury he would testify in the trial, but the defendant changed his mind, as the trial went on. As for Reggie Brown's motion, the government responded it's basically what was presented in closing arguments.