Bob McDonnell Sentenced in Corruption Scandal

Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced Tuesday 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.

U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer sentenced McDonnell Tuesday afternoon to two years in prison, according to a report by WTOP.

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.

Read: Timeline of Bob McDonnell Case

Sentencing guidelines for Bob McDonnell suggest 10-12 years in prison. Defense lawyers have requested a sentence of just 6,000 hours of community service. Before hearing from the lawyers Tuesday, Spencer reduced the sentencing window to no more than 8 years.

More than 400 letters were sent to Judge Spencer, asking for leniency for McDonnell in the sentencing. The letters included one from U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who served as Virginia’s governor prior to McDonnell’s term.

The couple was charged in January 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:

• 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