Former Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine has been denied a request to treat his conviction as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.

Rovenstine was hoping to have his 2017 intimidation conviction reduced. Despite Rovenstine serving a year probation, completing 250 hours of community service, and meeting with Detective Paul Heaton as part of the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, the request was denied.

This means that Rovenstine is still considered a felon and is no longer allowed to carry a firearm.

A special judge says he was unwilling to reduce the conviction if it would allow Rovenstine to expunge his criminal record or run for political office in the state.