A state judge rejected Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas' efforts to get the criminal charges against him dropped.

Thomas had claimed that because former state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned, his successor had no authority to prosecute anyone because she was neither elected nor appointed by the state Legislature.

Acting Attorney General Barbra Underwood's office released a statement, saying in part, "We welcome the decision and look forward to proving our case in court."

Thomas is expected to be arraigned Friday on charges that he stole money from his campaign fund.