McDonnell Sentencing Guidelines: 10 to 12 Years?

By Greg Hambrick

Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell could serve more than 12 years in prison, according to sentencing guidelines by the U.S. probation office.

The Washington Post spoke with individuals familiar with the recommendation, noting the minimum recommended would be 10 years and one month.

Defense attorney Scott Fredericksen told the Post, “The fact is, the vast majority of times, courts follow those recommendations closely.” Read more of the Washington Post report.

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Bob McDonnell was found guilty in September on 11 counts in a public corruption scandal involving gifts and loans from a Richmond businessman. McDonnell will face sentencing on Jan. 6.

The governor’s wife, Maureen McDonnell, was found guilty of 9 corruption counts and one count of obstruction of justice. A date has not been set for her sentencing.

The couple was charged in January with illegally accepting up to $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:

• 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