Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife were charged Tuesday in federal court in a gifts investigation, McDonnell confirmed:
“Earlier today federal prosecutors notified my attorneys that they have filed criminal charges against me and my wife Maureen, alleging that we violated federal law by accepting gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams, the former CEO of Star Scientific,” read a statement from McDonnell.
McDonnell came under state and federal investigation after he and his family accepted thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr.
McDonnell again apologized for his actions and denied breaking any laws.
“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,” he 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. I never promised – and Mr. Williams and his company never received – any government benefit of any kind from me or my Administration.”
