The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Bob McDonnell corruption case. The justices voted 8-0 unanimously to vacate the conviction of former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell. Does this mean McDonnell is free? He still remains a free man but prosecutors can re-try him on corruption charges.
“Because the jury was not correctly instructed on the meaning of ‘official act’, it may have convicted Governor McDonnell for conduct that is not unlawful,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. “For that reason, we cannot conclude that the errors in the jury instructions were ‘harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.’ We according vacate Governor McDonnell’s convictions.
Statement from Bob McDonnell On U.S. Supreme Court OpinionVIRGINIA BEACH, VA (June 27, 2016) — I express my heartfelt gratitude to the justices of the United States Supreme Court for the time and attention they have given to the law in my case. Today, a unanimous United States Supreme Court Vacated my convictions, and it is a day in which my family and I rejoice and give thanks.From the outset, I strongly asserted my innocence before God and under the law. I have not, and would not, betray the sacred trust the people of Virginia bestowed upon me during 22 years in elected office.Over this past 40 months, God strengthened and comforted me through the love and many support of friends, family, and even strangers, through His abundant, miraculous and amazing grace, and through the eternal truths of His holy word.I am exceptionally grateful to my faithful legal team who zealously advocated my cause at every step, as well as the authors and signers of the 13 excellent amicus briefs that argued for reversal. I thank the many friends and relatives who steadfastly supported my family and me through this time of great uncertainty. Countless people have called, emailed, texted, and came to see me to lend a wise piece of advice, a message of hope, a heartfelt prayer, or a hug. These multiple acts of kindness have become the new tapestry of my life, and have given me a vivid and indelible example of Jesus’ admonition to live by the Golden Rule.It is my hope that this matter will soon be over and that my family and I can begin to rebuild our lives.-Former Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell
Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell was convicted of 11 counts by a federal jury on corruption charges for receiving gifts and loans from Johnnie Williams then head of Star Scientific. McDonnell has maintained his innocense throughout the trial, sentencing and appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
RELATED STORIES:
US Supreme Court Expected To Rule ex-governor corruption convictions
Ex-Virginia Gov Found Guilty On Corruption Charges
Judge Spencer Explains His Sentencing of Bob McDonnell
Bob McDonnell, Former Va Gov Sentenced To Two Years in Prison
Former Gov Doug Wilder, Clovia Lawrence of Radio One Character Witnesses At McDonnell Sentencing
