Judge refuses to alter $675,000 judgment against BU graduate for illegally downloading music

By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

A federal judge has refused to alter a jury’s $675,000 judgment against a Boston University graduate for illegally downloading music.

US District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel ruled Thursday that jurors properly weighed evidence in 2009 before determining Joel Tenenbaum violated copyright laws and in setting the amount of the fine, and so there is no reason for another jury to hear the case. Zobel also found that the judgment did not violate Tenenbaum’s due process rights.

Tenenbaum’s lawyer could not be reached for comment, but has indicated he would appeal an adverse judgment.

Tenenbaum had already appealed the jury’s verdict, but a higher court ruled that he must go through the proper process in asking Zobel to consider having another jury hear the case before the appeal could proceed.

Milton Valencia can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @MiltonValencia.