WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the corruption convictions of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
The opinion handed down Monday morning could have wide-ranging impacts on what can and cannot lead to credible criminal charges for politicians across the country.
McDonnell had high hopes after justices expressed concern during April’s arguments about where, or whether, a line can be drawn between illegal and legal conduct.
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted in 2014 of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a Virginia businessman in exchange for the prestige of the governor’s office.
The former governor was found guilty of 11 counts on charges that he accepted the gifts and loans from Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting vitamin products for Williams’ company, Star Scientific.
Her appeal is proceeding separately, and has been on hold in a lower appeals court pending this decision.
While Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, and Maureen McDonnell to one year and one day, each has been allowed to remain free during the appeals process.
The federal investigation that plagued McDonnell’s last year in office, and his ultimate conviction, marked a dramatic fall for the popular governor, who was once considered a possible vice presidential candidate. The trial, and even letters of support from the McDonnells’ daughters, featured sordid details about their personal lives and their rocky marriage.
McDonnell was the first Virginia governor ever convicted of a crime.
WTOP’s Amanda Iacone contributed to this report. This story will be updated.
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