Full appeals court won't re-hear Petters' case

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Minnesota businessman Tom Petters' request to re-hear his appeal.

Petters was convicted in 2009 of running a $3.7 billion Ponzi scheme. In December, a three-judge panel of the appeals court denied his appeal. But his attorneys asked that it be reconsidered by the full Eighth Circuit.

That request was denied Friday. One of Petters' attorneys, Jon Hopeman, says they will ask the Supreme Court to review the case.

Petters' lawyers say his right to a public trial was violated when the judge barred them from presenting evidence about the criminal past of key prosecution witness Larry Reynolds - who they say was the real mastermind.

Hopeman says Petters believes he's innocent and "will never give up."

Petters is serving a 50-year sentence.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.