The former Bellville Police Officer convicted in December of 2008 of attempting to buy stolen weapons during a police sting operation has had his appeal denied.

Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge James DeWeese gave a written ruling, denying Maurice King III appeal. King was sentenced to two years in prison and is serving his time at Lancaster.

His lawyers accused a sheriff's deputy of lying on the witness stand during King's trial but Judge DeWeese concluded King failed to meet the burden of proof and show no credible evidence the deputy offered false testimony. King will remain incarcerated until his prison term ends October 6.