A federal jury has convicted former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell on eleven of fourteen counts of conspiracy, bribery, and extortion.
The trial, which lasted more than a month and spurred 17 hours of jury deliberation, laid bare charges that Governor and First Lady McDonnell used their power and influence to promote the Anatabloc supplement company, owned by Jonnie Williams, in exchange for money and gifts including a shopping spree and a $6,000 Rolex watch.
Via the New York Times:
“This is a difficult, disappointing day for the Commonwealth,” said Dana J. Boente, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, whose office prosecuted the McDonnells, who are facing years in prison. “When public officials turn to financial gain for official actions we have little chance but to prosecute the case.”Asked whether Mr. McDonnell will appeal, his lawyer, Henry W. Asbill, said “Of course.” He said he was “shocked” by the verdict.The McDonnells were indicted on 14 counts of conspiracy, bribery, extortion and related charges stemming from what prosecutors said was a scheme to sell the office of governor, which Mr. McDonnell occupied through January this year, for $177,000 in gifts and cash from a dietary supplements executive.
Marueen McDonnell was also convicted on nine counts, in spite of the defense team’s strategy of presenting the couple as estranged.
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