A judge overturned an obstruction conviction Monday for former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell, who along with her husband, former Gov. Bob McDonnell, was found guilty in September on multiple counts of corruption after the couple accepted gifts and loans from a businessman.
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U.S. District Judge James Spencer ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence to support the obstruction charge against Maureen McDonnell. “Even viewing the evidence in light most favorable to the government, there is insufficient evidence to warrant a guilty verdict,” the judge wrote, according to NBC News’ Katie Wall. The judge also rejected requests for an acquittal and a new trial.
Bob McDonnell was found guilty on 11 counts of public corruption after a trial during which the governor attempted mount a defense by laying bare his myriad marital problems. Maureen McDonnell was found guilty on nine counts.
The couple are due in court Jan. 6 for sentencing.