RICHMOND, Va. (CN) - In a federal order released Tuesday morning, former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell was denied a petition to appeal his corruption and fraud charges.
In a poll of all 15 active Fourth Circuit appellate judges, eight voted against rehearing McDonnell's case while seven claimed they were disqualified from voting.
"No judge voted in favor of rehearing," according to the brief order.
Today's decision marks second time a federal appeals court has denied McDonnell a rehearing since a three-judge panel rejected McDonnell's appeal on July 10, 2015.
McDonnell was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption for promoting from his elected seat the drug Antabloc in exchange for more than $177,0000 in lavish gifts and cash from CEO Jonnie Williams.
McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison in January but granted a motion to remain free on bail pending his appeal. His wife, ex-Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell, still awaits her appeal of corruption charges for her role in accepting bribes from Williams.
It is not clear from the order whether McDonnell will be required to report to prison following the appellate decision.
The convicted governor once considered a viable Republican presidential candidate now has the option to appeal at a Supreme Court level.
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