THE FORMER GOVERNOR of Virginia has been forced to forfeit a an eye-watering list of designer gear after being indicted on 14 counts of corruption.
Robert McDonnell, who was one of the stars of the 2009 elections which saw the Republican Party pick up two governorships, was today indicted on the charges after a federal investigation into his and his wife’s relationship with a pharmaceutical company CEO.
The 14-count indictment against McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, includes one count of conspiracy to commit honest-services wire fraud; three counts of honest-services wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to obtain property under colour of official right; six counts of obtaining property under colour of official right; and one count of making false statements to a federal credit union.
In the 43-page indictment, it is revealed that McDonnell’s wife Maureen sought help from Johnnie Williams, CEO of Virginia-based pharmaceutical company Star Scientific.
She sent Williams an email that outlined her need for a dress for her husband’s inaugural ceremony.
The email read:
I need to talk to you about Inaugural clothing budget. I need answers and Bob is screaming about the thousands I’m charging up in credit card debt. We are broke, have an unconscionable amount in credit card debt already, and this inaugural is killing us!! I need answers and I need help, and I need to get this done.
Apologies and forfeits
Speaking today McDonnell, who left the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond last month, apologised, but insisted that he had done no wrong.
“I deeply regret accepting legal gifts and loans from Mr. Williams, all of which have been repaid with interest, and I have apologized for my poor judgment for which I take full responsibility,” McDonnell said.
“However, I repeat emphatically that I did nothing illegal for Mr. Williams in exchange for what I believed was his personal generosity and friendship.”
The indictment, however, takes a different view, compelling the McDonnells to forfeit a number of gifts given to them by Williams, whose company makes cosmetics and diet supplements.
Most notable on the list is a Rolex engraved “71st Governor of Virginia” and $140,000 in cash.
Once labelled the future of Republican Party, McDonnell and fellow “Class of 2009″ member, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have both been dogged by scandal in recent months.
Christie, however, put his behind him today as he was inaugurated for a second term.
AP provided additional reporting.
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