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

Comments

In wake of the Zika virus, travel, spring break still O.K.

Representatives from the CDC and the NIH were on hand at the White House during Monday's press briefing to update the public and address concerns over the Zika virus that has caused some babies to be born with deformities. Dr. Anne Schuchat from the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Tony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health told reporters that a vaccine is in the making. The pair also said they are particulary concerned about women who are pregnant, or plan to get pregnant, who have either traveled to or plan to travel to areas of South America and the Carribean known to have the Zika virus. Despite those bold statements, the doctors said there is no wide-spread concern and that Americans should continue to travel, including during upcoming college spring breaks -- when college students travel to warmer climate destinations to escape winter weather. "Travel to Zika-affected areas is very common among Americans, and we don’t think that needs to stop...

ACA Health Care Operator Fired For Doing Her Job?

More woes for the Obama administration's roll out of HealthCare.gov . During the president's weekly address he urged Americans to call a toll-free number to get help enrolling in a health care plan as the website continues to be 'improved'. Said the president, "But even as we improve the website, remember that the website isn’t the only way to apply for coverage under these new plans. We’ve updated HealthCare.gov to offer more information about enrolling over the phone, by mail, or in person with a specially-trained navigator who can help answer your questions. Just call 1-800-318-2596 or visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov . No sooner than the president gives out the 800 number for Americans to speak to one of the 'specially-trained navigators', one of them gets fired, perhaps loosing her own healthcare benefits. Her malfeasance? Talking to talk show host Sean Hannity. Hannity called the 800 number with his...

Saying goodbye to Mrs. Robinson, mother of First Lady Michelle Obama.

The woman who made her mark as grandma-in-chief when President Barack Obama was elected 44th president of the United States, passed Friday. The woman who was considered the backbone of the Obama household will be remembered as a family-oriented, kind person, who remained poised as she assumed the responsibility of helping raise her two beautiful granddaughters in an environment, and in a world, far from what she ever imagined. Mrs. Marian Robinson, mother of First Lady Michelle Obama, waves to reporters during Easter egg hunt at the White House. (photo CD Brown) I recall seeing her that day in March during Women's History Month at the Smithsonian when her daughter's Inaugural gown, like all the other first lady inaugural gowns, was being cemented in Smithsonian history . She was smiling as she walked alone prompting me to ask, "is there no security, no secret service, for the first grandmother?" ADVERTISEMENT CMB BUSINESS SOLUTIONS I am also reminded of the time w...

Politics. On Point.

Search This Blog