After former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) was sentenced to two years in prison for public corruption, he maintained his innocence and apologized to the residents of Virginia.
“I am a fallen human being. I have made mistakes in my life. I always try to put the best interests of the people first as governor, but I have failed at times, and some of the judgments that I have made during the course of my governorship have hurt myself, my family, and my beloved people of Virginia. And for that, I am deeply, deeply sorry,” McDonnell said after the sentencing.
“But I would also say to the great people of Virginia that I have never, ever betrayed my sacred oath of office in any way while I served as the governor of this great commonwealth,” he continued.
McDonnell was found guilty of public corruption for accepting gifts and bribes from a Virginia business owner. The judge initially recommended he be sentenced to at least ten years in prison, but on Tuesday revised his recommendation to no more than eight years.
The former governor said that he respected the judicial system, but said he looked to God for his “ultimate vindication.”
“I have immense faith in the justice system, but I have tremendous faith and trust in the Providence of the lord Jesus Christ and his ability to mete out justice and that is my hope for ultimate vindication. I know his hope never fails, it never gives up, and it’s never going to run out on me,” McDonnell said.
McDonnell also said he would appeal the ruling on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) on Tuesday said he hopes to “restore public trust” in the Virginia government following McDonnell’s sentencing.
“Today’s sentencing brings an end to one of the most difficult periods in the history of Virginia state government. Like many Virginians, I am saddened by the effect this trial has had on our Commonwealth’s reputation for clean, effective government,” he said in a statement. “As we put this period behind us, I look forward to working with Virginia leaders on both sides of the aisle to restore public trust in our government.”
