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UVA president asks judge to go easy on former Gov. Bob McDonnell

University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan is asking a federal judge to be lenient on former Gov. Bob McDonnell ahead of Tuesday’s sentencing.
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell arrives for his trial at U.S. District Court Aug. 28, 2014 in Richmond, Va.
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell arrives for his trial at U.S. District Court Aug. 28, 2014 in Richmond, Va.

University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan is asking a federal judge to go easy on former Gov. Bob McDonnell ahead of Tuesday’s sentencing, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. She’s one of the more than 400writing in support of the former Virginia governor and onetime Republican rising star who now faces jail time over corruption charges.

In a five-paragraph note to Judge James Spencer, who presides over the case, she explained their professional relationship, saying they exchanged cell phone numbers and met one-on-one to talk official business. 

RELATED: McDonnell and wife found guilty in corruption trial

“I hope that these observations are helpful to you as you consider sentencing, and I hope that you will consider a lenient sentence,” Sullivan wrote in the letter dated Oct. 11. She added the disclaimer that it was not an official statement from the university.

In September, a jury found both McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty on multiple counts after the couple accepted more than $175,000 gifts and loans from a businessman.

The U.S. Probation Office recommends that McDonnell be sentenced to at least 10 to 12 years behind bars. 

The UVA president found herself responding to another scandal a few months ago. UVA was scrutinized as an alleged breeding ground for rape culture following a blockbuster report in Rolling Stone. While the magazine later backed away from some of its claims, Sullivan announced a new task force to help deal with its sexual assault response.