RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ A federal judge is limiting what former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, can discuss with friends and family before their trial on corruption charges. Magistrate Judge David J. Novak on Monday ordered the McDonnells not to have any “substantive” discussions about their case with any potential witnesses, including family and longtime friends. Novak ordered Monday’s hearing to clarify with whom the McDonnells could and couldn’t talk before their July trial. Lawyers for the McDonnells wanted slightly fewer restrictions, with prohibited conversations limited only to potential witnesses’ possible testimony. Prosecutors initially wanted heftier limits to prevent the McDonnells from having any contact with potential witnesses other than family. The McDonnells have denied charges they accepted thousands of dollars in loans and gifts from a former CEO of a dietary supplement-maker.
