Yesterday former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife were indicted in federal court on 14 counts of fraud, conspiracy and obstructing federal investigators, charges stemming from a gift-giving scandal
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell were indicted in federal court Tuesday on 14 counts of fraud, conspiracy and obstructing federal investigators, all stemming from a gift-giving scandal that clouded the governor’s final months in office.
McDonnell and his wife, who have acknowledged taking financial and material gifts from businessman Jonnie Williams, are each the target of 13 of the 14 counts in the indictment, issued in the Richmond division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
[. . .]
The 43-page federal indictment details the vast array of favors Williams lavished upon the McDonnell family, including the use of Williams’s private aircraft and vacation home, a nearly $20,000 shopping spree for the first lady, a Rolex watch for the governor and catering fees for the wedding of the McDonnells’ daughter.
“The defendants participated in a scheme to use Robert McDonnell’s official position as the governor of Virginia to enrich the defendants and their family members by soliciting and obtaining payments, loans, gifts, and other things of value from [Williams] and Star Scientific,” prosecutors allege.
But remember folks…..Republicans are all about “government reform!”
Thanks Zach.
And a paper I’ve lost nearly all respect for, the Washington Post, did all the heavy lifting. AFAIK, they broke the stories that made it impossible for DOJ to ignore.
Based on what I’m reading, the indictment is tougher than expected. Apparently, everyone flipped on the Governor.
Was watching TRMS last night. Saw excerpts of his presser (complete with the obligatory supportive wife and family at his side). For a guy who claims no wrong-doing, Mrs. Gov had an awfully worried look on her brow.
Nevertheless, it sounds to me like they’ve got more on this guy than they ever had on Blogo.
“But remember folks…..Republicans are all about ‘government reform!’ ”
Just ask Blago!
Or ask Republican Gov. George Ryan of Illinois!