Saturday, September 6, 2014

Bob and Maureen McDonnell Conviction

Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife were convicted this week on federal corruption changes related to gifts received from Jonnie Williams Sr., the former CEO of Star Scientific, a dietary supplement company. 

The jury conviction was decisive. McDonnell was convicted on 11 counts of conspiracy, bribery and extortion. His wife Maureen was convicted on 9 counts . 

Although there is a huge controversy regarding the conviction, there is little doubt as to whether they are guilty. The controversy arises over the fact that what the McDonnnells did is commonly done and politicians are simply not often convicted on such matters. So maybe we are seeing a little progress in this country. 

The total amount of cash and gifts the McDonnells accepted, $177,000, is amazing to me because the that is less than the alimony I have paid to Spring over the last five years let alone everything she took as part of the divorce. Think about this - Spring and her lawyer have taken far more money and assets from me than the McDonnells were convicted of receiving and, although I don't know all the details of the McDonnell case, I can't image that the evidence against them is stronger than I have against Spring and her lawyer Nelly Wince. I am pretty sure that my children would testify that their mother knowingly committed perjury and the evidence against Nelly Wince is, I think, unquestionable. 

Why is such corruption not only tolerated but openly so in divorce court? Two reasons in my opinion. Firstly it is very lucrative to the lawyers and judges and secondly there isn't anyone in law enforcement who cares enough to stop it. Even honest and talented law enforcement officials would rather prosecute people who are widely viewed as bad such as sex traffickers or, as in the case of  the McDonnells, people that will generate a lot of media attention. Quite simply they want to make a name for themselves. My case would draw little attention and garner little acclaim for the prosecutors even if Nelly Wince was convicted and put behind bars

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