Gov. Bob McDonnell will likely know in early 2014 whether he will be indicted in a scandal that arose from gifts and loans that businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr. made to him and his family.
In the wake of the scandal, a group made up of Virginia Beach attorney Stanley Baldwin, Tom Knox, CEO of Seniorcorp and CareFamily.com of Virginia Beach, and Jason Miyares, a Virginia Beach attorney, formed a defense fund.
Williams, founder and CEO of Star Scientific, gave gifts to McDonnell and his family, but an audit showed that he received no benefits from the gifts.
Still, the gift scandal has threatened to tarnish the governor's legacy, although McDonnell said he and his family have repaid loans from Williams, including $52,278 for a loan Williams made to his wife, Maureen McDonnell, in 2011, as well as $71,837 for two loans Williams made to a real estate company that Bob McDonnell owns with his sister.
"Being governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service," McDonnell said in a statement announcing that he repaid the loans. "I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens. I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence. I hope today's action is another step toward that end."
- Bill Cresenzo