July 1, 2009

BAMBERG, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina judge has denied a request to reconsider a court-approved settlement agreement over how to parcel out James Brown's wealth.

Law clerk Carra Henderson said Judge Jack Early ruled Tuesday that his previous decision approving the settlement would stand, but hasn't filed an official order.

Former trustees Adele Pope and Robert Buchanan argued that the settlement left out key parties.

The settlement gives nearly half of Brown's assets to a charitable trust, about a quarter to his wife and young son, and the rest to Brown's adult children.

A federal case over Brown's estate is pending and Pope and Buchanan can also appeal Tuesday's ruling.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)