Maureen McDonnell Sentenced to Prison in Gift Scandal

Photo: Maureen McDonnell and Jonnie Williams at a 2011 reception for NASCAR at governor’s mansion, Office of the Governor

Maureen McDonnell was sentenced Friday morning to one year and one day in prison on corruption charges related to gifts and loans she received with her husband, former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, in exchange for support of a dietary supplement for a Virginia businessman.

Maureen McDonnell is likely the first modern-day governor’s spouse sent to prison for felonies committed while her husband was in office, according to The Associated Press. Prosecutors had sought 18 months in prison.

Maureen McDonnell asked the court for a reduced sentence just prior to the judge giving his decision, according to the Associated Press.

“My marriage is broken, my family is hurting and my reputation is in shatters,” she said.

In September, Maureen McDonnell was found guilty on eight corruption counts and one count of obstruction of justice. She was found not guilty of falsifying loan documents.

Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams reportedly provided more than $100,000 in gifts and loans to the couple, including designer dresses and jewelry, in exchange for support of his drug supplement. That support included a promotional event at the governor’s mansion.

• Timeline of Bob McDonnell Case
• Bob McDonnell Sentenced in Corruption Scandal
• Bob and Marueen McDonnell Found Guilty

Bob McDonnell was found guilty of 11 corruption counts. He was sentenced in January to two years in prison. He will wait to serve the sentence while he appeals the case.

During the trial last summer, the defense painted Maureen McDonnell as a difficult and demanding woman who was responsible for the gifts and alleged abuses.

Janet Vestal Kelly, the former secretary of the commonwealth, testified about Maureen McDonnell’s “very diva-ish” behavior, including a threat by the entire mansion staff in January 2012 to walk off the job over her attitude.

It was also revealed that Bob McDonnell moved out of the couple’s home the day before the trial, moving in with his pastor. Arriving at the courthouse Friday, Bob McDonnell told reporters, “I’m just here to support my wife.”

• Defense Lawyers Take Turn Attacking Maureen McDonnell
• 5 Strangest Things We’ve Learned at the McDonnell Trial
• McDonnell Moved Out Days Before Trial Started