Appeals court rejects McDonnell's bid to stay out of prison

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is likely headed behind bars in the coming days, after an appeals court rejected his bid to stay out of prison while he pursues his case with the Supreme Court.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit on Thursday rejected a motion from McDonnell’s lawyers arguing that the decision in his public corruption case conflicted with decisions in other circuits and that the Supreme Court will likely take up the case.


In seven days, the denial of appeal will kick in, and the District Court can require him to report to prison at any point after that. But McDonnell can still ask the Supreme Court to let him stay free while he seeks its review, which he has indicated he will do.

“I am saddened by the Court’s decision today to deny me freedom while I pursue vindication in the U.S. Supreme Court. I am innocent of these charges and will petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a grant of bond,” McDonnell said in a statement Thursday. “I ask my exceptional friends across the nation to continue to support and pray for me and my family during this agonizing time. I thank God for His abundant grace and strength as I continue this difficult journey.”

McDonnell and his wife Maureen were convicted in September of public corruption for setting up meetings between Virginia lawmakers and the CEO of Star Scientific Inc., Jonnie Williams, in exchange for thousands of dollars in material and monetary gifts.

He appealed the decision and the verdict was upheld in July. The Supreme Court is his last hope.

On Wednesday, Maureen — who is pursuing her case separately — tried to persuade the appeals court to throw her conviction out despite her husband’s guilty verdict being upheld, according to The Washington Post.