Court Blocks Former Va. Governor’s Bid to Stay out of Prison

Although the 4th Circuit Court rejected McDonnell’s request to stay out of prison, the former governor can still appeal directly to the Supreme Court to avoid prison while they decide whether or not to take his case.

“I am saddened by the court’s decision today to deny me freedom while I pursue vindication in the U.S. Supreme Court”, McDonnell said, according to a statement published by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The three-judge panel unanimously upheld McDonnell’s corruption convictions earlier, and the full appeals court declined to rehear the case.

[How the federal corruption case against the McDonnells came together]. On July 10, the appeals court upheld the convictions. “I thank God for His abundant grace and strength as I continue this hard journey”, McDonnell said.

Both McDonnells have been sentenced to prison – the former governor for two years and the former first lady to one year and one day. McDonnell’s request for a rehearing was also denied.

McDonnell asked to remain free during his ongoing appeals process and, in a motion filed Monday, claimed he poses no risk of flight or public endangerment.

A jury in September found McDonnell and former Gov. Bob McDonnell guilty of doing favors for a nutritional supplements executive in exchange for $165,000 in gifts and loans.

In the absence of a stay, McDonnell’s attorneys are asking the Supreme Court to grant him bond while he pursues an appeal there. Arguments in her own, separate appeal are schedule for October.

McDonnell has argued that his case raises “substantial” issues and that the 4th Circuit’s decision stands in conflict with those in other federal courts, making it likely that the nation’s top justices will want to hear it. Prosecutors have disputed those points.