News

Actions

McDonnells’ fates are now in the hands of a jury

Posted at 4:26 PM, Sep 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-02 17:17:03-04

The fates of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen are now in the hands of a jury after weeks and weeks of testimony in their federal corruption trial.

As the McDonnell’s await a decision by the jury, the former Governor says his focus is on God.

“When you have trust in the Lord and rely on him, you don't worry about those things. I just keep my eyes on heaven. I have confidence in the justice system it will work out just fine," he said.

Before deliberations began, the judge gave a word of caution to the jury when considering testimony from a witness like Jonnie Williams.

The former Star Scientific CEO is at the heart of the McDonnell federal corruption trial and received immunity for any potential wrongdoing in this case as well as unrelated securities fraud.

Williams testified that he bought the former Governor and First Lady’s support for his dietary supplement by dishing out loans and gifts for their help promoting it.

The defense argued the gifts were just signs of friendship.

On Tuesday, the judge told jurors to consider whether Williams’ testimony was driven by his own interests and a possible prejudice against the McDonnell’s.

The judge told the jury, “You are the sole judges of the facts in this case.”

They’ll now have a chance to discuss the federal case amongst themselves and review any evidence.

Every verdict reached in the 14-count indictment must be unanimous.