Bob McDonnell Can Wait for Appeal Before Jail

Photo by Michael Melkonian, CNS

Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell will remain free while his lawyers appeal his corruption conviction.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that McDonnell’s appeal could lead to a reversal or a new trial, according to NBC Washington.

Earlier this month, McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison in a corruption scandal involving loans and gifts from a Richmond businessman in exchange for public support and government lobbying by the governor and his wife.

Read: Timeline of Bob McDonnell Case

Once a national political rising star, McDonnell was found guilty in September on 11 corruption counts. The governor’s wife, Maureen McDonnell, was found guilty of 9 corruption counts and one count of obstruction of justice. She is expected to face sentencing in February.

The couple was charged in early 2014 with illegally accepting more than $165,000 in gifts, luxury vacations and large loans from Jonnie R. Williams Sr., a wealthy Richmond-area businessman.

The McDonnells allegedly asked for or accepted loans and gifts of money, clothes, golf tees and equipment, trips and private plane rides. In exchange, the couple allegedly lent the prestige of the governor’s office to Williams’ struggling dietary supplement company, Star Scientific.

Patch file photo. Thompson Wall contributed to this report.

Read more:

• Bob McDonnell Sentenced in Corruption Scandal
• Timeline of Bob McDonnell Case
• McDonnell Attorneys Request Community Service In Lieu of Prison
• McDonnell Sentencing Guidelines: 10 to 12 Years?
• Former Governor, Touted As Possible Presidential Candidate, Likely Headed to Prison
• McDonnell Moved Out Days Before Trial Started
• Defense Lawyers Take Turn Attacking Maureen McDonnell
• 5 Strangest Things We’ve Learned at the McDonnell Trial
• McDonnell Indictments: Former Governor Vows to Fight ’False Accusations’
• Mitt Romney Donates Cash For Former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Criminal Defense
• Former Gov. Bob McDonnell and Wife Plead Not Guilty