Richmond, Va. – Former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife will not face state charges over possible violations of the state’s disclosure laws.
Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Herring says he is dropping an investigation because he believes state charges would be counterproductive, according to WTVR.
Herring began leading a probe into possible violations of the state’s disclosure laws in November of 2012, after being assigned to the case by former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
Last week, federal prosecutors indicted Robert and Maureen McDonnell on 14 felony counts involving corruption. Both are accused of accepting 165,000 in lavish gifts and loans from wealthy business executive Jonnie Williams, in exchange for using their power and influence to promote William’s dietary company, Star Scientific Inc.
The state investigation, however, dealt with whether the governor failed to disclose the gifts and loans under Virginia’s disclosure laws, which requires elected officials to report gifts or liabilities worth more than $50 on an annual basis. Violating state disclosure laws is a misdemeanor.
Elected leaders are not required to report gifts or loans that are given to immediate family members.
