Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen both entered not-guilty pleas on Friday and were released to await trial beginning six months from now, the Associated Press reported.
U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer scheduled the trial to begin on July 28 and said it is expected to last five to six weeks, according to the AP.
Before the couple entered their not-guilty pleas, the were released by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Novak on terms of recognizance and were ordered to not leave the country, the AP reported.
The McDonnell's lawyer, John Brownlee, told Judge Novak the couple had already surrendered their passports after the former governor was indicted and charged only 10 days after leaving office, according to the AP.
The trial will focus on the federal investigation into the relationship between the McDonnells and Jonnie Williams, former CEO of Star Scientific, a pharmaceutical company which produces dietary supplements, the AP reported.
According to federal prosecutors, since 2009 the McDonnells have accepted more than $165,000 worth in gifts and loans and in exchange improperly promoted the company's products, the AP reported.
In the indictment, Williams is reported to have given shopping sprees and gifts to Maureen, bought a Rolex watch worth $6,500 for McDonnell and gave $15,000 to pay for the catering at the McDonnells daughter's wedding, according to the AP. Also listed was $120,000 in loans, golf-outings and use of William's personal estate and jet.
Since evidence of the improper relationship submerged, McDonnell's chances of moving up the ladder in the Republican Party are probably hindered, according to the AP.
McDonnell apologized on Friday and said he has already repaid $120,000 in gifts and loans to Williams but argues he did not break any laws, the AP reported.
Some of the improper help given to Williams by the McDonnells is the use of the executive mansion for a launch party to celebrate the company's signature product, according to the indictment, the AP reported
In court papers, the McDonnells and their lawyers state the gifts were not bribes because the couple did nothing for "Star Scientific that they wouldn't do for any other Virginia company," according to the AP.
Brownless also added the McDonnells "never gave Williams anything that wasn't a routine courtesy doled out by every politician, from the president on down," the AP reported.
If the couple is convicted, the crime is punishable by 20 years in prison and fines between $250,000 and $1 million, according to the AP.
