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Former Virginia governor, wife, found guilty

Bob McDonnell, former governor of Virginia, has been found guilty on 11 of 13 counts on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegally obtaining property, making false statements, and other actions unbecoming of a state governor.
Former VA governor Bob McDonnell and former first lady Maureen McDonnell found guilty of corruption.
The McDonnell trial lasted for more than three weeks when former chef, Todd Schneider, dropped a dime on the McDonnells after Schneider was accused of stealing food from the executive pantry of the governor's mansion for his side catering jobs.  Schneider maintained his innocence saying the food was payment for services rendered.

After the firing, Schneider informed law enforcement that the McDonnells had taken money from wealthy Star Scientific businessman Johnny Williams.  Williams allegedly gave the McDonnells gifts to include a Rolex watch, paid for the wedding of the McDonnells' daughter, and for designer clothing for former first lady Maureen McDonnell.

The former first lady was found guilty on 9 of the 13 counts.

Throughout the trial that questioned the McDonnell's relationship with Williams, and each other, Bob McDonnell maintained his innocence.

A jury found the McDonnells guilty, however, and the pair will be sentenced on January 6, 2015 where they are expected to serve considerable time in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said of the convictions, "Today's convictions should send a message that corruption in any form, at any level of government, will not be tolerated.

McDonnell served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and as Virginia's Attorney General.

Caldwell said McDonnell's public service career was one of a "money-making enterprise."

Attorneys for the McDonnells say they will appeal next year's sentencing.

See also
Richmond Times Dispatch coverage of trial

In other Richmond news
Senator Mark Warner talks student debt at VCU
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