A federal judge in Los Angeles upheld the conviction of former politician Mark Ridley-Thomas and declined Friday to acquit him of all charges or allow him a new trial.

In a 17-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer rejected the arguments of Ridley-Thomas attorneys that a jury’s guilty verdict of conspiracy, bribery and fair service by mail and telegram was based on insufficient evidence, improper statements by the prosecutors or other legal deficiencies.

Fischer noted that there was “substantial evidence” of Ridley-Thomas’ “corrupt intent,” writing, “The jury could easily determine that the defendant knew he acted corruptly and dishonestly in structuring the $100,000 donation. [to USC] in exchange for his help with” a contract sought by USC.

The decision is a major legal setback for Ridley-Thomas and paves the way for his sentencing later this summer. He risks years in prison.

Jurors in March convicted the former member of the LA City Council of four honest services fraud and one mail fraud involving sending a $100,000 donation from a campaign fund to USC, knowing that the university would then send the money to a non-profit run by his son.

He was also convicted of bribery and conspiracy, alleging that the $100,000 donation was part of a broader bribery scheme in which Ridley-Thomas obtained special benefits for his son from USC while voting in support of motions and a mental health contract. by the university.

This story will be updated.