(Associated Press photo)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ A federal appeals court is waiting for prosecutors to respond to former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s request to remain free while he appeals his public corruption convictions. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the response by 5 p.m. Friday. The court refused Tuesday to reconsider a three-judge panel’s decision upholding McDonnell’s convictions. However, the judges didn’t say whether a previous order allowing McDonnell to remain free on bond will remain in force while he appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. A jury in September found McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of doing favors for a wealthy businessman in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison, his wife to one year and one day.
