The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request by former San Diego City Councilman Ralph Inzunza for a new hearing in the notorious case known as "Strippergate."
The decision means Inzunza’s appeals are over and his 21-month prison sentence must begin.
The final verdict comes more than two years after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that there was enough evidence that the former councilman had conspired with a Las Vegas Lobbyist to eliminate no-touch rules at strip clubs in exchange for campaign contributions.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Rice helped prosecute Inzunza. He said he’s surprised Inzunza wasn’t advised to go ahead and serve his prison sentence since the likelihood of a successful appeal was so remote.
“This has been hanging over him for more six years and now it’s time to do some custody; and after another 21 months, it will finally be behind him.”
Inzunza’s attorney could not be reached for comment.
