Virginia ex-first lady sentenced to prison for corruption

[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

[freshwest]

1. Twelve months where? Neiman Marcus? And out on bail, never see a day in jail like DeLay. The life of

Last edited Fri Feb 20, 2015, 02:27 PM - Edit history (1)

GOP grifters aren't always smooth sailing but it all works out in the end for them.

[niyad]

3. twelve MONTHS, not twelve years.

[freshwest]

7. At Neiman Marcus? I really feel for her since she won't have as much money.

[Cryptoad]

2. Can you say ,,,,

Convicted Felon?

[Cryptoad]

4. There is a ,,,,

country club style Federal Prison in Alabama for the High Tonkers!

[niyad]

5. nowhere in that article does it say that the gov is a puke.

[freshwest]

8. Most people already knew that, but the news won't say it, huh?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McDonnell

[niyad]

9. the "news" never talks about the political party of some miscreant pol when that pol

is a puke.

[sharp_stick]

6. Lucky for her

she never had a joint in her purse or she'd get 20 years.

[biffiep]

10. Now with street cred

now she has true republican bona-fides! she and mr. hair-helmet will get permanent gigs on faux. or maybe open a booming subscription service like snow snooki.

[asiliveandbreathe]

11. Humilated enough you say Mr. defense lawyer

Maureen and bobbie did it to themselves and their family - but even worse - to their constituents..

This is what happens when entitlement kicks in - and the crowns get pretty heavy on the head - I have no sympathy - this whole affair is the sum of all of the above=greed!

[Kingofalldems]

12. The judge cut her a break with the year and a day sentence.

She can now be released 54 days early with the one day extra sentence.

[Thor_MN]

13. Sentence her to Minimum wage...

More than $165,000 divided by (8 * minimum wage) would give her at least 7 years, 290 days.

Maybe conservatives would support higher minimum wages if they knew they would sentenced to it when caught.

[Jamastiene]

14. That is a good idea.

Too bad they won't actually do that. It is a good idea though. I agree.

[Nobel_Twaddle_III]

15. only 12 months, then we are way past time to free Don Siegelman