Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen were found guilty today on several charges in the corruption case stemming from gifts, including an engraved Rolex and lavish vacations, and thousands of dollars in loans they accepted from a businessman in exchange for political favor.
The jury of seven men and five women reached a verdict after 17 hours of deliberation over three days. Bob McDonnell was found guilty on 11 corruption and fraud counts, while Maureen McDonnell was found guilty on eight corruption counts and one count of obstruction of justice. This included six counts of obtaining property under color of official right with a price tag of $138,804, including a $15,000 check for a McDonnell daughter's wedding. Both were found not guilty of falsifying loan documents.
"The McDonnell family is sobbing in the courtroom," according to the Washington Post.
Bob McDonnell took the stand, while his wife Maureen — who was painted by the defense as an unstable woman with a crush on former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams — did not. The defense also painted the McDonnell's marriage as broken, leaving Bob unaware of Maureen's actions. Williams, who claimed he gave gifts to the McDonnells in exchange for help promoting his supplement, was granted immunity in exchange for testimony. He denied any romantic involvement with Maureen McDonnell.
“I am deeply saddened by the events of the trial that ended in today’s verdict, and the impact it has had on our Commonwealth’s reputation for honesty and clean government," currently Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement. “Dorothy and I will continue to pray for the McDonnell family and for everyone who was affected by this trial.”
Both Bob and Maureen McDonnell were indicted on corruption and fraud charges in January. They will be sentenced in January 2015 and will remain free until then. An appeal is expected.
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