Short‑seller Andrew Left faced a setback Wednesday when U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips refused his bid for a mistrial after a clerical slip on the verdict form. Left, convicted on 13 counts of securities fraud, argued the error tainted juror deliberations, but the judge found the jury remained attentive and unbiased.

The three‑week trial concluded on June 1 with a guilty verdict that included a charge of lying to a federal agent, despite that count being dismissed before trial. Left’s strategy hinged on explosive social‑media posts that nudged target stocks just enough for rapid trades, a tactic regulators say distorted market prices.

Attorney Eric Rosen said the team will file a written motion with fresh arguments, hoping to overturn the decision before sentencing. If the court upholds the verdict, Left faces a potential 20‑year prison term when sentencing occurs on August 31, although first‑time white‑collar offenders often receive sentences below the statutory maximum.

Investors watch the case closely because Left’s short‑selling playbook has influenced how market participants assess social‑media hype. The denial of a new trial keeps the conviction intact, reinforcing regulatory scrutiny of activist traders who leverage online platforms to move stock prices.