Ex-Virginia Governor, Wife Indicted on Corruption Charges

Authorities charged former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, with illegally accepting luxurious gifts, vacations, the use of a private jet and large loans from the chief executive officer of a Virginia business—in exchange for special treatment.


The charges allege that Mr. McDonnell and his wife made repeated requests to Jonnie Williams Sr. , the CEO of dietary supplement company Star Scientific STSI in Your Value Your Change Short position to use his private jet, to purchase designer clothing for Ms. McDonnell, and to loan the couple thousands of dollars.

In a statement released Tuesday, Mr. McDonnell said he and his wife didn't violate the law.
"I repeat emphatically that I did nothing illegal for Mr. Williams in exchange for what I believed was his personal generosity and friendship. I never promised—and Mr. Williams and his company never received—any government benefit of any kind from me or my Administration," Mr. Williams said in his statement.


He also said, "I deeply regret accepting legal gifts and loans from Mr. Williams, all of which have been repaid with interest, and I have apologized for my poor judgment for which I take full responsibility."


Mr. McDonnell and his wife were charged on 14 counts, including obtaining property under color of official right, committing honest-services wire fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution