More bad news for Governor McDonnell. US District Judge James Spencer has denied McDonnell’s request to stay out of prison while his case is under appeal. [read_more] McDonnell will begin his two year sentence on February 9th. The judge believes the government proved its case and McDonnell has no legal basis for appeal.
“McDonnell knew what (Jonnie) Williams was seeking,” Spencer writes. “McDonnell attempted to use his gubernatorial office to influence governmental decision in favor of Star Scientific.”
“McDonnell assuredly did more than provide meer access to Williams – he performed ‘official acts’ as that term is defined under federal bribery laws…..This is not a ‘close question’ that justifies release pending appeal,” according to the judge’s order.
