Appeals court upholds former Va. governor’s convictions

McDonnell was sentenced earlier this year to two years in prison.

Back in May, McDonnell filed an appeal of his conviction on public corruption charges.

Barring a stay by the USA Supreme Court or the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, McDonnell would likely be ordered to report to federal prison later this year. “I remain highly confident in the justice system and the grace of our God that full vindication will come in time”.

Despite their family receiving well documented lavish vacations, clothing, dinners, and other monetary gifts from Jonnie Williams, the McDonnells continue to claim their innocence. His lawyers declined to comment, saying they were working on a statement.

It’s not clear whether Bob McDonnell will be allowed to remain free on bond if he chooses to continue the appeals process.

The court did not deal with ex- first lady Maureen McDonnell’s conviction.

“Appellant received a fair trial and was duly convicted by a jury of his fellow Virginians”, Judge Stephanie Thacker wrote in the 89-page opinion.

Federal prosecutors described the case as one of clear-cut bribery. McDonnell appealed, arguing there was insufficient evidence to justify his conviction and that the court had erred in its instructions to the jury. “If I’m a politician, I’d be very frustrated not knowing what that line is”.

“There are a lot of practices that were accepted – viewed as perfectly acceptable and commonplace – in local state and federal offices that are now off limits thanks to this prosecution”, James said.