Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has fallen under the scrutiny of the FBI as they continue to investigate a Virginia-based manufacturer of nutritional supplements, two people with knowledge of the review told the Associated Press.
The investigation is centered around the catering bill from McDonnell's daughter's wedding. The $15,000 tab was picked up by Star Scientific CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr.
According to the Washington Post, investigators have yet to decide if they are going to broaden the investigation to determine if McDonnell or his administration gave benefits to Star Scientific in exchange for money.
Star Scientific and Williams have donated over $120,000 in publicly disclosed gifts to McDonnell and his PAC. In 2011, Maureen McDonnell, the governor's wife, hosted a luncheon promoting the release of Anatabloc, a supplement made by Star Scientific.
In an interview with WTOP McDonnell explains he never acted in an illegal manner in regards to his relationship with Star Scientific. McDonnell argues that any of the actions taken by him or his administration to promote Star Scientific were done to promote a Virginia-based business, not in exchange for improper benefits.
"There's nothing going on at all that impairs my ability to do a good job and serve the people of Virginia," McDonnell said. "During my time as governor my top issue has been job creation and economic development. I have promoted multiple Virginia companies all over the world."
The new investigation into McDonnell may also be related to the ongoing embezzlement case against Todd Schneider, the former chef of the Governor's Mansion.
Schneider filed a motion to have embezzlement charges against him dismissed. The motion alleges staff were ordered to take food as payment for services and that staff witnessed people "openly taking cases of food and other supplies from the Governor's Mansion," according to the Associated Press.
The motion goes on to attack Attorney Ken Cuccinelli and his motivations for prosecuting Schneider.
"Ken Cuccinelli's personal and financial involvement with Williams and Star Scientific and his political involvement and endorsement by the governor of Virginia conflicted with his duty to investigate information provided by Todd Schneider to determine whether Williams used the Mansion and his relationship with the governor and first lady to promote a scheme to defraud," the motion alleges.
Cuccinelli, this year's Republican candidate for governor, was quick to issue a statement refuting the claims in the motion.
"Todd Schneider is facing multiple indictments for stealing. Ultimately he will face a jury of his peers," the statement read.
The scandal appears to get more complicated as time passes. Talking Points Memo gives a good breakdown of all of the numbers involved so far.
