Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has enlisted the help of high-powered Washington, D.C. lawyer Emmet T. Flood for help as McDonnell navigates state and federal investigations into gifts he and his family have received while in office, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Wednesday.
Flood, a partner at Williams and Connolly, was in Richmond, Va., on Tuesday, where he spoke with McDonnell, administration officials, and others. A former deputy White House counsel to President George W. Bush, Flood has also represented President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Dick Cheney.
From the Times-Dispatch:
People familiar with the investigations say the McDonnells and Flood have been in consultation for months.
The governor’s office for weeks has refused to answer questions on Flood’s involvement.
A federal grand jury is expected next week to take testimony from witnesses related to a probe of the governor’s relationship with mega-donor and gift-giving friend Jonnie Williams Sr., the CEO of Henrico-based Star Scientific Inc. The troubled former tobacco company now promotes dietary supplements derived from the plant and is also under a federal securities investigation.
