Peter Carr, a spokesman for the U.S. Justice Department, says McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted Tuesday. The 14-count indictment includes conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges.
Document: McDonnell Indictment
The indictment shows the McDonnells’ scheming, using businessman Jonnie Williams’ private jet and receiving more than $135 thousand in loans and gifts from him as well as more than $7 thousand in golf outings and thousands more for his daughter's wedding. In exchange, the indictment alleges McDonnell arranged meetings for Williams, but in the end, McDonnell says Williams got nothing from his administration.
In a news conference Tuesday evening, Bob McDonnell addressed the public about the charges filed against him, claiming federal authorities are “stretching the law to its breaking point.”
“Law is clearly on our side,” he said. “ … I did nothing illegal.”
VIDEO: McDonnell's full news conference
McDonnell left office earlier this month after four years in the governor's office. A federal investigation overshadowed the final months of the only term as governor he is allowed under Virginia law. Authorities began looking into gifts the once-rising star of the Republican Party and his family received from a political donor and Richmond-area businessman.
In July, McDonnell apologized and said he had returned more than $120,000 in loans and other gifts from Johnnie Williams, the CEO of pharmaceutical company Star Scientific.
WAVY News 10's Andy Fox sat down with former Gov. McDonnell in December and pressed him about the possible indictments. He asked McDonnell if he was confident he wouldn't be indicted.
"I can't. I can only say that I'm focused on what I can control,"
McDonnell said. "Other people that are doing these reviews are doing them on their own timeframe."
VIDEO: Andy Fox's full exit interview with McDonnell
The time is here and so is the 14-count indictment, which includes charges of wire fraud, obtaining property under color of official right, and one count making false statements to a federal credit union.
The indictment paints a picture of the McDonnell family constantly with hands out to Jonnie Williams. The worst offender appears to be McDonnell's wife, Maureen, who sent an email to a senior McDonnell staffer demanding an inaugural clothing budget.
"Bob is screaming about the thousands I'm charging up in credit card debt. We are broke ... unconscionable amount in credit card debt ... this inaugural is killing us,” Mrs. McDonnell wrote in the email.
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This is curious. The charges were filed by the US Department of Justice, not by any Virginia agencies. Why the Feds? Was there any interstate component to the alleged crimes? Or is this just another case of Eric Holder punishing political enemies of his boss? Don't get me wrong; there could be a legitimate crime here but the timing, circumstances and previous history of Holder certainly raises some eyebrows.
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