Virginia ex-first lady sentenced to prison for corruption [View all]

[Eugene]

Last edited Fri Feb 20, 2015, 02:32 PM - Edit history (2)

Source: Reuters

BY GARY ROBERTSON
RICHMOND, Va. Fri Feb 20, 2015 12:58pm EST

(Reuters) - Former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced on Friday to 12 months and one day in prison for her federal corruption conviction for taking bribes from a businessman.

McDonnell, 60, was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Spencer to two years of probation following release from prison.

The sentence was shorter than that sought by federal prosecutors, who had asked for 18 months in prison. Defense lawyers had argued for a community service sentence, saying McDonnell had been humiliated enough by the scandal and trial.

During the sentencing hearing, Spencer called the case "puzzling, sad and tragic and sometimes bizarre." He said that in the end that the first lady was "bedazzled by material possessions."

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/20/us-usa-virginia-mcdonnell-idUSKBN0LO0VU20150220

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Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

Original headline: Maureen McDonnell sentenced to 12 months, 1 day

Judge calls ex-first lady's case 'tragic, sad and puzzling'
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2015 12:56 pm
BY BILL McKELWAY AND GRAHAM MOOMAW Richmond Times-Dispatch

Former first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced Friday to 12 months and 1 day in prison on federal corruption charges. Judge James R. Spencer also ordered two years supervised probation and allowed her to remain free pending appeal.

The sentencing came after an emotional hearing of more than three hours capped by the testimony of a visibly emotional McDonnell, making her first extensive comments on her case, and preceded by her daughter, Rachel, who told of the hurt and division the scandal had brought upon the her parents and the five children.

Maureen McDonnell riveted the courtroom when she said the "venom" from benefactor-turned-prosecution witness Jonnie R. Williams Sr. had "poisoned" her family, marriage and the state.

In sentencing the former first lady, Spencer called the case “tragic, sad and puzzling.”

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Read more: http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/article_b2edb38e-af38-5c98-9144-d5b263c5b604.html