A federal jury found former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife guilty of accepting sweetheart loans and lavish gifts from a businessman in exchange for promoting his company, according to The Associated Press.
McDonnell, a Republican once seen as a potential presidential candidate, was found guilty of 11 of 14 charges in U.S. District Court, the AP reported. His wife, Maureen, was convicted of nine of 14 counts, including obstruction of justice.
McDonnell, who left office in January, stood with his head bowed as the verdict was read, according to the AP. The repeated word "guilty" brought gasps and wails from the packed courtroom, and family members burst into tears.
The jury of seven men and five women deliberated more than 17 hours, the AP reported. The couple face up to 20 years in prison and at least $250,000 in fines for each count.
Sentencing by U.S. District Judge James Spencer is scheduled for Jan. 6, according to the AP. McDonnell's attorney, Henry Asbill, told reporters the verdict would be appealed.
Prosecutors alleged that McDonnell and his wife received $177,000 in loans and gifts from dietary supplement entrepreneur Jonnie Williams Sr. in exchange for promoting his company's main product, the anti-inflammatory Anatabloc, the AP reported.
The couple have been living separately during the trial and say they are estranged, according to the AP.
During the five-week trial, prosecutors contended McDonnell and his wife conspired to use the governor's office to promote Williams' company, Star Scientific Inc, and Anatabloc, the AP reported.
Prosecutors said McDonnell introduced the company to Virginia health officials and staged a launch of Anatabloc at the governor's mansion, according to the AP. He also suggested to state universities that they conduct studies related to the products, the prosecution said.
The gifts to the couple included a $6,500 Rolex watch, wedding and engagement presents, money for McDonnell's daughters, and golf outings and equipment, the AP reported. Williams provided a $50,000 loan and a $15,000 "gift" to cover wedding expenses.
Williams also gave a $70,000 loan to a corporation that the governor and his sister used to manage beach properties, according to the indictment, according to the AP.
