Gov. Bob McDonnell
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ It was strictly business. That’s what the former CEO of a dietary supplements company is saying about his relationship with former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, who are on trial on corruption charges. The McDonnells are accused of taking more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his products.
Williams is testifying for the prosecution under immunity. He said Wednesday that he sought to cultivate a business relationship with the McDonnells because he believed their influence would lend credibility to his products and help him obtain research studies at Virginia medical schools.
He testified about a $20,000 Manhattan shopping spree for Maureen McDonnell and two checks he wrote totaling $65,000 to help them deal with financial problems and pay for catering of a daughter’s wedding.
