Ex-Governor Sent To Prison Despite Appeal Of Conviction

A federal judge Tuesday denied former Gov. Fife Symington’s bid to remain free while he appeals his bank fraud conviction, meaning he must begin serving his 2-1/2-year prison sentence next week.

Symington’s attorneys argued in federal court Monday that they have a strong case for getting the conviction overturned and that Symington would be in danger in prison because of his reputation for being tough on crime.

Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Roger Strand rejected claims that Symington had solid grounds for appeal, and made no mention of whether Symington will be at risk.

Symington is due to begin serving his sentence March 20 at a minimum-security federal prison at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas.

Symington, 52, resigned after being convicted Sept. 3 of filing false financial statements to lenders to win loans and gain loan concessions for his real estate developments.