Web Staff
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Lawyers defending former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife against corruption charges say the couple couldn’t have been scheming together to accept bribes from a businessman because their marriage was falling apart.
The attorneys said the couple had a long-broken marriage and that Maureen McDonnell had developed a crush on a businessman who is the prosecution’s star witness.
The McDonnells are charged in a 14-count indictment with accepting more than $165,000 in loans, designer clothes, vacations and a Rolex watch from Jonnie Williams, the CEO of dietary supplements maker Star Scientific. Prosecutors say that in exchange, they helped to promote Williams’ business. If convicted, they could face decades in prison.
The trial is set to resume Wednesday morning with the continued testimony of Williams’ assistant, Jerri Fulkerson.
From Roanoke Police:
On July 28, 2014 at 9:21 a.m. Roanoke Police were dispatched to the 600 block of 9th Avenue SE, the Carter Bank & Trust, to investigate a bank robbery. Several employees told officers the suspect walked into the bank, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money the suspect left the store on foot. The suspect was described as a white male, thin build, possibly around 5’7″. The suspect was last seen wearing a blue long sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Several witnesses also told officers they observed some type of bandage on the suspect’s neck, possibly covering a recent wound or surgical procedure. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Roanoke Valley Crime Line 540-344-8500. All tips are anonymous and a reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Roanoke County recently received first place honors among counties with a population of up to 150,000 for its technological services. The county’s interactive Geographic Information Systems portal and data-driven approach to crime prevention were recognized, as WFIR’s Kelsea Pieters reports.
Update 8:50 a.m.
News Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:
TRAFFIC ALERT: EMERGENCY ASPHALT REPAIRS WILL KEEP NORTHBOUND I-81 LANES NEAR MILE MARKER 167 CLOSED
The right shoulder is open to traffic
At approximately 5 a.m. this morning, a traffic accident involving a vehicle fire occurred on northbound Interstate 81 near mile marker 167 in Botetourt County. As a result of the fire, the asphalt in the area was heavily damaged and will need to be repaired before the lanes can reopen to traffic.
VDOT staff is on scene assessing the damage and crews have been rerouted to the area to begin repairs immediately. Crews estimate they will have the right lane open to traffic at noon today and will then move on to the left lane. It is unknown at this time when the left lane will be completed. These timeframes are estimates and could be impacted by weather or unforeseen circumstances once the crews arrive on scene for the repairs.
At this time the right shoulder is open to traffic. Drivers should expect delays in the area and avoid this section of I-81 if possible until the repairs are completed.
For the latest information on this incident visit www.511Virginia.org.
Update 8:44 a.m.
Traffic is now moving again on Interstate 81 South at mile marker 119.8 in Montgomery County. The right shoulder is blocked.
www.511Virginia.org
(webcam near 119.4)
Gov. Terry McAuliffe
The latest public opinion poll from the Roanoke College Institute for Policy and Opinion Research reveals that Virginians are split over how they feel about Medicaid expansion, while a majority believe Governor McAuliffe should not act on his own.WFIR’s Kelsea Pieters has more:
Sen. Mark Warner
Ed Gillespie
The latest public opinion poll from Roanoke College’s Institute for Policy and Opinion Research reveals that Incumbent Senator Mark Warner maintains a comfortable 25-point lead over Republican Ed Gillespie. Gillespie remains largely unknown – 75% of those polled say they don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. WFIR’s Kelsea Pieters has more:
Community Shop In
7/22/14 Suspicious
Activity Suspect
From Roanoke City Police Department on Wed., 07/23/2014 2:23 PM:
On July 22, 2014 at 11:18 a.m. Roanoke Police were called to the 1600 block of Burrell Street NW, the Community Shop In, to investigate a report of suspicious activity. A cashier at the store told officers that the suspect came into the store wearing a mask and dressed in black. The suspect was also was wearing gloves. The cashier said he started yelling at the suspect and threatened to shoot the suspect. At that point the cashier said the suspect ran out of the store. The suspect never displayed any type of weapon and did not make any demands. A picture of the suspect is attached. If you have any information that can help investigators, please 8500. The incident is under investigation.
(See suspect photos provided by Roanoke City Police Department)