High Court Overturns Former Va. Governor's Bribery Conviction

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court has thrown out the conviction of former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell.

McDonnell and his wife were convicted in 2014 of accepting loans and gifts in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement.

The decision was unanimous, and the impact could be widespread because it limits what prosecutors can argue is an official act, WJZ's Pat Warren reports.

The case was argued in April. Bob McDonnell and his wife were convicted of taking gifts and loans from wealthy businessman Jonnie Williams, and in exchange, using the power of his office to help Williams' company.

McConnell says everything he did for Williams -- setting up meetings, making phone calls, attending events -- were normal things governors do. But federal prosecutors said they were all official acts, which amounted to bribery.

"I have a lot of faith in my lawyers and in the justice system to get this right," McDonnell said.

The McDonnells accepted money, designer clothes, a car and jewelry, in addition to loans. The court wrote: "There is no doubt that this case is distasteful; it may be worse than that. But our concern is not with tawdry tales of Ferraris, Rolexes and ball gowns."

The court's concern was whether McDonnell's actions were official acts and decided the government's reach was too broad.

"This conviction had to be vacated, that the government's theory was wrong," said William Hurd, attorney.

In April, McDonnell stated: "Never during any time in my 38 years of public service have I ever done anything that would abuse the powers of my office."

On Monday, he offered heartfelt thanks to the court, and in a statement, said: "From the outset, I strongly asserted my innocence before God and under the law."

It is expected that his wife Maureen's conviction will also be thrown out, but the ruling doesn't prevent either of them from being tried again.

The court's definition of "official acts" could affect other public corruption cases.