High court overturns former VA governor’s conviction

FILE - In this June 20, 2016 file photo, the Supreme Court is seen in Washington. The Supreme Court is set to close out its current term with opinions Monday in three remaining three cases after a flurry of decisions last week. It’s expected to be the justices’ final meeting before they disperse on their summer breaks. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) FILE - In this June 20, 2016 file photo, the Supreme Court is seen in Washington. The Supreme Court is set to close out its current term with opinions Monday in three remaining three cases after a flurry of decisions last week. It’s expected to be the justices’ final meeting before they disperse on their summer breaks. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

By Associated Press June 27, 2016 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – A unanimous Supreme Court has overturned the corruption conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell in a ruling that makes it harder to prosecute elected officials accused of bribery.

The justices ruled Monday in favor of McDonnell, who was found guilty in 2014 of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement.

The former governor says he never took any official action to benefit Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams or pressured other public officials to do so. McDonnell says he simply performed routine courtesies for Williams like setting up meetings and hosting events.

Prosecutors said McDonnell accepted personal benefits with the understanding he would try to take official action to help Williams.