Fallen Virginia governor guilty of corruption

Yahoo – AFP, 4 Sep 2014

Former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell leaves US District Court for the

 Eastern District of Virginia with his son Bobby (R) on September 4, 2014, in

Richmond, Virginia (AFP Photo/Alex Wong)

Washington (AFP) - A US court convicted former Virginia governor Robert McDonnell and his wife on corruption charges Thursday, finding them guilty of procuring loans and gifts from a businessman in exchange for favors.

The disgraced Republican was convicted on 11 charges, including wire fraud and receiving property based on his official duties, according to the US Attorney's office for eastern Virginia.

The state's former first lady Maureen McDonnell was found guilty on nine similar corruption charges.

They were both found not guilty of falsifying financial statements.

The pair could now face decades in prison, in a case that has sent sent shivers through political circles in the nation's capital Washington DC, which borders Virginia.

The convictions mark a dramatic fall for the 60-year-old, who ran the state from 2010 until January and had been on a shortlist to become running-mate for 2012 Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

Authorities said the couple repeatedly turned to businessman Jonnie Williams Sr. seeking loans, luxury clothes and other gifts, trips and private plane rides that together were worth more than $177,000.

Maureen McDonnell (3rd R), wife of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, arrives

with her daughters Rachel (R) and Cailin Young (2nd R) at US District Court for the

Eastern District of Virginia on September 4, 2014, in Richmond (AFP Photo/Alex Wong)

Federal prosecutors said that, in turn, the pair conspired to help Williams' business as a former cigarette-maker that now sells dietary supplements.

McDonnell had apologized for his own "bad judgment" and said he regrets accepting the gifts and sweetheart loans, but stressed he paid it all back with interest and insisted he had not broken any laws.

The former governor was sobbing as the jury's verdict was read out, the Post reported, adding that US District Judge James Spencer set the sentencing date for January 6, 2015.

The McDonnells in 2010 sought according to prosecutors, the help of Williams, then head of Nasdaq-traded Star Scientific.

Before the couple's daughter wed, Williams shelled out $11,000 at Oscar de la Renta and $5,685 at Louis Vuitton for Mrs McDonnell's shoes and a handbag.

Her husband received a Rolex engraved with the words "71st governor of Virginia."

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The Unthinkable… Politics, A Review

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