It’s now a waiting game at the federal courthouse in Richmond. Dozens of reporters and photographers are camped outside in anticipation of what will be a historic event no matter what the verdict is.
Wednesday marked the first full day of deliberations for the jury. They started midday Tuesday after the judge thoroughly went over each charge with the jury and what to consider in order to reach a verdict.
Bob McDonnell seemed calm as he walked into court despite knowing a verdict could come at anytime.
He spoke about the support he’s received throughout the trial from both sides of the aisle.
"Republican and Democrat, my Democrat friends have been incredibly gracious to me and I appreciate it,” he said.
The former Governor and First Lady have been charged in a 14-count indictment.
The couple is accused of conspiring together to provide former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams political favors in exchange for loans and gifts.
Counts 5-11 deal specifically with that.
The judge says the government doesn’t need to prove that the loans and gifts were directly given to McDonnell, just that he obtained something of value due to taking official action.
But in order for Maureen to be convicted of these charges, the judge says the jury must first convict her husband of obtaining the more than $177,000 in loans and gifts under official right.
That’s because Mrs. McDonnell wasn’t a public official.
According to the judge, her actions alone wouldn’t constitute a crime.
Throughout the federal corruption trial, defense teams have argued Williams was just a generous friend to the McDonnell’s. Attorneys also say Bob and Maureen were having difficulties in their marriage.
If a verdict isn’t reached by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, deliberations will pick back up on Thursday morning.
