U.S.
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Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, once on the short list to be Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate during the 2012 race, was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for taking bribes to promote a dietary supplement.
A jury in September found McDonnell and his estranged wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption. The couple accepted gifts including designer clothing and vacations in exchange for promoting a purported miracle cure made by Star Scientific Inc. McDonnell and his wife were charged with receiving a total of $177,000 in loans and gifts.
The company's former CEO, Jonnie Williams, testified under immunity as the prosecution's star witness in a case that exposed the details of the McDonnells' shaky finances and troubled marriage. Trial prosecutors contended McDonnell and his wife conspired to use the governor's office to boost Williams' company.
Gifts to the couple included a $6,500 Rolex watch, wedding and engagement presents, money for McDonnell's daughters, and golf outings and equipment. Williams provided a $50,000 loan and a $15,000 “gift” to cover wedding expenses. He also provided a $70,000 loan to a corporation that the governor and his sister used to manage beach properties.
In a strong but somber voice, McDonnell told the judge before sentencing that he was "a heartbroken and humbled man," and that he holds himself accountable.
"I'm 60 years old. Whatever days the Lord allows me, I dedicate anew to the service of others," said McDonnell, whose lawyers had asked the judge to impose three years of community service. Prosecutors wanted more than 10 years in prison.
When U.S. District Judge James Spencer announced the sentence, McDonnell was stoic.
"It breaks my heart, but I have a duty I can't avoid," the judge said, sentencing the former government to two years in prison.
McDonnell, who is to report to prison by Feb. 9, said he planned to appeal the sentence.
Maureen was convicted on eight counts and will be sentenced on Feb. 20.
Al Jazeera and wire services
Federal prosecutors said couple accepted thousands in cash and gifts from vitamin mogul in exchange for political favors.
Rick Perry has been charged with abuse of power, but he says that’s just how the governor’s job works.
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