Former Va. governor's appeal cites broad bribery definition
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said in court papers Monday that his conviction on several counts of public corruption was based on an overly broad definition of bribery and a flawed explanation of what constitutes an "official action" by an elected official.
McDonnell made the arguments in the opening brief of an appeal filed in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Earlier in the day, his wife, Maureen McDonnell, filed notice with the court that she would also appeal her conviction.
Prosecutors will file their response to Bob McDonnell's brief later this month, and a hearing is set for the week of May 12. The schedule for Maureen McDonnell's appeal has not been set.
A jury in September found Bob and Maureen McDonnell guilty of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from former Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his company's nutritional supplements.
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