High court rejects Ohio's appeal in case of police official

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court won't consider reinstating the conviction of a former Ohio police official charged in connection with his wife's 1995 death.

The justices on today declined to disturb a federal appeals court ruling that said authorities improperly withheld evidence that could have helped Ohio Police Lt. Thomas "Jim" Barton discredit charges linking him to a botched burglary. The appeals court ordered a new trial.

Prosecutors alleged Barton paid to stage a burglary to scare his wife into moving from their farm into the city of Springboro, where he wanted to become police chief. Authorities said she was killed when the burglary went awry.

A jury convicted Barton in 2005 of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated burglary.

Prosecutor must now re-try Barton or release him.