Ex-Gov. McDonnell sentenced to two years in prison

RICHMOND, Va. – Family members and friends wept softly as former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell told the judge at his sentencing hearing that he couldn’t “fathom any deeper humiliation” for taking bribes from a wealthy businessman to promote a dietary supplement.

Then, the tears mostly stopped. Some even turned to smiles when the judge sentenced McDonnell to two years in prison – far below the 10 years prosecutors originally wanted for the Republican, who was once on the short list to be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate.

McDonnell, who held his head in his hands and sobbed when he was convicted in September on 11 counts of corruption, was stoic as U.S. District Judge James Spencer delivered the sentence in a courtroom packed with the former governor’s supporters.

McDonnell had asked for no jail time, only community service. In a strong but somber voice, McDonnell told the judge he was “a heartbroken and humbled man” and that he holds himself accountable.

“I allowed my life to get way out of balance,” he said. “I cannot fathom any deeper humiliation for me or my family.”

The judge noted the outpouring of support for McDonnell – more than 400 people wrote letters — and concluded that “he is a good and decent man who has done a lot of good in the public area.”

“It breaks my heart, but I have a duty I can’t avoid,” the judge said.

A jury in September found McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption. The couple accepted gifts including a $6,500 engraved Rolex watch, $20,000 in designer clothing and accessories, and free family vacations in exchange for promoting a purported miracle cure made by Star Scientific Inc.

Maureen McDonnell, who attended Tuesday’s hearing, will be sentenced Feb. 20 on eight counts.

The company’s former CEO, Jonnie Williams, testified under immunity as the prosecution’s star witness in a case that exposed the details of the McDonnells’ shaky finances and troubled marriage.

Outside the courthouse, McDonnell thanked the judge for mercy and vowed to fight his convictions on appeal.

“I’ve hurt myself, my family and my beloved people of Virginia and for that I am deeply, deeply sorry. But I will also say to the great people of Virginia that I have never, ever betrayed my sacred oath of office in any way while I served as the governor of this great commonwealth,” McDonnell told reporters.

Law enforcement officials said that the prison sentence delivered a message.

“No elected official, irrespective of their popularity or the power they wield, is above the law,” FBI agent Adam S. Lee said.

At trial, McDonnell acknowledged he accepted Williams’ largesse but said he did nothing for him in return other than extend routine political courtesies.

McDonnell, 60, delivered the 2010 Republican response to the State of the Union Address and became chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2011. He was indicted 10 days after leaving the office.