Supreme Court clears former Va. governor of corruption

A unanimous Supreme Court overturned the corruption conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell today. A jury convicted McDonnell in 2014 of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement. But the Supreme Court said what McDonnell did does not constitute bribery because he didn’t take any “official actions.” Chief Justice John Roberts said McDonnell’s setting up a meeting, talking to another official, or organizing an event on behalf of Star Scientific Inc.’s CEO, Jonnie Williams, does not meet the definition of an official act under the law. Williams’ gifts to the McDonnells included a $6,500 Rolex watch, free family vacations, and nearly $20,000 in designer clothing, and $120,000 in loans.