In a unanimous decision likely to have far-reaching political implications, the Supreme Court has overturned conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell on corruption charges.
The Republican governor was convicted in 2014 on federal corruption charges that he took gifts in excess of $175,000 that included a Rolex watch in exchange for government favors extended to dietary supplement businessman Jonnie Williams. A quid pro quo act of favors amounting to corruption is prohibited under the Federal Law.
“There is no doubt that this case is distasteful; it may be worse than that,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court.
“But our concern is not with tawdry tales of Ferraris, Rolexes, and ball gowns. It is instead with the broader legal implications of the Government’s boundless interpretation of the federal bribery statute.”
Legal experts say the Supreme Court ruling will make it more difficult in future to bring charges or convict politicians of any corrupt practices.
In the decision, Supreme Courts ays the government had given the jury a very broad interpretation of what an “official act” constituted.
Following the Supreme Court verdict, McDonnell said in a statement: “From the outset, I strongly asserted my innocence before God and under the law. I have not, and would not, betray the sacred trust the people of Virginia bestowed upon me during 22 years in elected office.”
The decision brought relief and joy to McDonnel’s supporters.
Meanwhile, Siddique Sheikh, chairman of Pakistan American Business Association, congratulated McDonnel, saying the former governor had served the state well and now the vacation of conviction could offer a new opening in his political career.
