The indictment comes just 10 days after the Republican -- once considered 2016 presidential material -- left office, making way for Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were charged in federal court on Tuesday for allegedly taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts while in office from a supporter who sought help from the state government.
During his final State of the Commonwealth address earlier this month, McDonnell – who repaid the money and returned the gifts – apologized for the “problems and pain I’ve caused this past year.” Some of the gifts allegedly included a $6,500 Rolex watch, a $10,000 Oscar de la Renta dress for his wife, and $15,000 for his daughter’s wedding expenses.
The indictment came just 10 days after McDonnell– once considered 2016 Republican presidential material – left office, making way for Democrat Terry McAuliffe. The former chairman of the Democratic National Committee narrowly beat Ken Cuccinelli, a Republican, who was also hurt by the gift-giving scandal. Cuccinelli apologized last fall for taking gifts from the same businessman.
For months, federal and state authorities have been looking into McDonnell’s acceptance of gifts and loans for himself and his family from Jonnie Williams, a former chief executive of Star Scientific Inc., a dietary supplement company,
According to the 14-count indictment, the couple received the gifts and loans in exchange for McDonnell helping on an “as-needed basis to legitimize, promote and obtain research studies for Star’s products.” That included arranging meetings with state government officials and hosting events at the Governor’s Mansion, with the goal of persuading university researchers to initiate studies of Star’s products.
McDonnell responded to the indictment, saying that while he regrets accepting the gifts and takes full responsibility, he did nothing illegal for “what I believed was his personal generosity and friendship” with Williams. The GOPer added: “I never promised – and Mr. Williams and his company never received – any government benefit of any kind from me or my administration. We did not violate the law, and I will use every available resource and advocate I have for as long as it takes to fight these false allegations and to prevail against this unjust overreach of the federal government.”
McAuliffe has promised to sign an executive order enacting a limit on gifts to himself and members of his staff.