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McDonnell Sentenced

Former Governor Bob McDonnell has been sentenced to two years in prison followed by two years of probation on federal corruption charges. U.S. District Judge James Spencer announced his decision after receiving 450 letters and listening to a parade of witnesses who testified to McDonnell’s character and decades of public service. Spencer also said he would exercise his discretion as he departed from a pre-sentencing report’s recommendation for a lengthy prison term.  

The moving testimonies included that of former Governor Douglas Wilder. They spoke not only of McDonnell’s character but of his humanitarian acts, including restoring the rights of more than 8,000 felons and raising millions of pounds of food for food banks. Spencer said it was clear that McDonnell was a good and decent man who had done much good.  The judge also gave him credit for years of military service, but said he could not ignore the jury’s verdict as he determined what was a fair sentence.  U.S. Attorney Dana Boente later said the case sent a message to all public officials:

“That when the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice finds that there’s public corruption, that we will prosecute the case vigorously.”

McDonnell said he was a fallen human being who had failed at times.

"Some of the judgments that I have made during the course of my governorship have hurt myself, my family, and my beloved people of Virginia, and for that I am deeply, deeply sorry.  But I would also say to the great people of Virginia that I have never, ever betrayed my sacred oath of office.”

The defense team asked Judge Spencer if McDonnell could be sent to the federal prison in Petersburg or one close to home, and Spencer agreed to make that request as federal marshals determine where he will go.  Former First Lady Maureen McDonnell will be sentenced on 8 charges on February 20th.