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Governor McDonnell’s wife owned Star Scientific stock

Posted at 6:31 AM, Aug 19, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-19 06:35:07-04

Richmond, Va. – The scandal over Governor Bob McDonnell’s relationship with Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams is back in the news.

Lawyers for the McDonnell family revealed First Lady Maureen McDonnell owned Star Scientific stock at various times between 2011 and 2012.

“Mrs. McDonnell’s transactions in Star Scientific stock were entirely lawful. The decision to purchase the stock was hers alone, she did not consult with the Governor. Mrs. McDonnell, at the time she bought the stock, believed in the company and its products. She thought it would be a good investment over the long term,” William Burck, an attorney for Mrs. McDonnell, told WTVR.

Governor McDonnell has been at the center of a state and federal investigation into whether or not Jonnie Williams or Star Scientific benefited in any way from McDonnell as a result of the gifts, loans, and now stock owned by the family.

For months, McDonnell has denied he gave Williams anything in return for his generosity and friendship which included loans and gifts totaling over $100,000.

McDonnell and his family have since returned all of the tangible gifts according to officials.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reacted to the latest development in the McDonnell scandal during a campaign stop in Glen Allen Saturday afternoon.

“I think we’ve said we are pretty disappointed with what we’ve seen – it’s part of the reason I called for a special session.”

Cuccinelli had called for a special session of the General Assembly to address Virginia gift and ethics laws.

Read more at WTVR.