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Former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell and his wife Maureen were charged Tuesday with illegally accepting gifts, luxury vacations and large loans from a wealthy Richmond-area businessman who sought special treatment from state government.Authorities alleged that McDonnell and his wife received gifts from executive Jonnie R. Williams again and again, lodging near constant requests for money, clothes, trips, golf accessories and private plane rides.In exchange, authorities alleged that the McDonnells worked in concert to lend the prestige of the governorship to Williams’s struggling company, a small former cigarette manufacturer that now sells dietary supplements.The two were charged with 14 felony counts, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obtaining property under color of their official office and conspiring to the do the same.They were also charged with making false statements to a federal credit union.McDonnell was also charged with making a false statement to a financial institution, and Maureen McDonnell was charged with obstructing the investigation.A lawyer for McDonnell released a statement from the former governor denying that he has broken the law.
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted Tuesday for illegally accepting gifts and loans from a political donor. The charges against the couple were outlined in a document filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.McDonnell, a Republican who was once considered a presidential contender, and his wife, accepted loans, gifts and trips from Jonnie Williams Sr., a former CEO of a dietary supplement maker.McDonnell last year repaid more than $120,000 to Williams and apologized for bringing "embarrassment" to the state. The story is developing.
Jan. 16, 2010Robert F. McDonnell sworn in as 71st governor of Virginia. Star Scientific had contributed more than $28,500 in air travel to his 2009 campaign; the company would also give more than $80,000 in air travel to his political action committee in 2010 and 2011.Maureen and Bob McDonnell. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)Nov. 4, 2010Va.Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel meets with Star Scientific chief executive Jonnie R. Williams Sr. at McDonnell's suggestion. Williams pitches Hazel on his company's new dietary supplement. Hazel says the meeting is not unusual and nothing comes of it. Related articleDec. 29, 2010McDonnell signs a catering contract for his daughter Cailin’s wedding, making him financially responsible for the food. He pays the first of two deposits for the event. Related articleSometime in April or May 2011Jonnie Williams. (AP)Williams takes Maureen McDonnell on a $15,000 clothing shopping trip in New York City.May 23, 2011Williams writes a $15,000 check from his family trust for catering at Cailin McDonnell's wedding. Williams writes a second $50,000 check from the trust made out to Maureen McDonnell. McDonnell later says the catering was a gift to Cailin and the $50,000 was a loan.
Maybe I missed it. But, I don't see McDonnell's political affiliation anywhere in the stories. Is he a Democrat or Republican?
Wow! Flowers and I were just seconds apart in posting this story. Recommend to the mods they either be combined or mine be deleted as hers was first (this time Flowers, but I will get you yet).
Strange they didn't say R right away in this scandal. I had to look it up. Usually means D by the name.
