CNN) -- A former rising star in the
Republican Party, former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was
red-faced and sobbing Thursday after a jury convicted him and his wife on
multiple counts related to influence-peddling while he was in office.
After more than a month of
sometimes soul-baring testimony, the federal jury issued guilty verdicts on 11
counts against McDonnell, while clearing him on two others. His wife, Maureen,
was convicted on nine while cleared on four.
The charges involved gifts the
couple received from a businessman, including a Rolex watch, a $15,000 check
for their daughter's wedding and other items that are legal under Virginia law.
Prosecutors had to prove such gifts were accepted with corrupt intent.
Conspiracy, wire fraud,
influence peddling
Both McDonnells were convicted
of conspiracy to defraud the citizens of Virginia, wire fraud, conspiracy and
influence-peddling. Mrs. McDonnell also was convicted on one count of
obstruction.
The jury cleared them both of
false statement charges, and cleared Mrs. McDonnell on one of the wire fraud
counts and two of the influence-peddling counts.
No comments:
Post a Comment