Prosecution rests in McDonnells' corruption case
http://hamptonroads.com/2014/08/prosecution-rests-mcdonnells-corruption-case
Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta, all evidence in the McDonnell trial
Prosecution rests in McDonnells' corruption case
By Bill Sizemore
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 15, 2014
RICHMOND
Federal prosecutors concluded their public corruption case Thursday against former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, after 14 days of evidence detailing the favors lavished on the couple by businessman Jonnie Williams, allegedly in exchange for their help promoting his diet supplement business from the Governor's Mansion.
The McDonnells' defense teams will begin presenting their case Monday. The ex-governor is expected to take the stand to proclaim his innocence.
In its 400 years, Virginia has never seen such a spectacle. McDonnell, a Republican once considered a potential vice presidential or even presidential contender, is the state's first governor to be indicted over conduct in office. If convicted on all counts, the couple could spend decades in prison.
The jury has heard a litany of testimony about posh gifts and luxury vacations that Williams provided the McDonnells, together with off-the-books loans to shore up their struggling real estate investments.