Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will be headed to prison for 24 months.
McDonnell, once considered a Republican star and possible presidential contender, was convicted in September, with his wife Maureen, on 11 and eight public corruption charges, respectively.
On Tuesday in federal court in Richmond, he was sentenced to two years in jail. He must report to jail by Feb. 9.
After hearing objections from the defense, Judge James Spencer revised the sentencing guidelines from 10-12 years down to 6.5-8 years. The defense argued for community service instead of a prison sentence.
Friends, family and supporters of McDonnell were at the courthouse Tuesday, including his wife and former NFL star Bruce Smith.
More than 400 people — such as former Democratic governor and current U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine — wrote letters to Spencer asking for leniency in the sentencing.
The McDonnells’ five adult children were among those writing letters, saying that their father was not materialistic. Their oldest daughter wrote that Maureen, however, had a zest for “discounts or freebees” and “hid her coordination” on receiving items because “she knew he would not approve.”
Bob McDonnell addressed the court Tuesday, apologizing and asking for mercy on not just himself, but on his wife as well.
“I stand before you a heartbroken and humbled man,” McDonnell said, according to the Washington Post.
“I renew that deep expression of sorrow to the people of Virginia today,” he added, speaking of his repeated apologies for his interactions with Jonnie Williams, the former CEO of Star Scientific. A jury found Bob and Maureen McDonnell guilty of accepting nearly $200,000 worth of various gifts and trips from the former CEO of dietary supplement company Star Scientific in exchange for promoting the firm’s anti-inflammatory product.
The five-week trial of the couple was both ugly and personal. Bob McDonnell testified in his own defense, but his wife — who will be sentenced on Feb. 20 — did not.
