FBI looking into McDonnell's ties to donor

A campaign donor for the Virginia governor paid for the food at his daughter's wedding

Published April 30, 2013 1:29PM (EDT)

FBI agents are looking into the ties between Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, R, his wife Maureen, and the chief executive of Star Scientific, Jonnie R. Williams Sr, a major campaign donor to McDonnell who paid for $15,000 worth of catering at his daughter's wedding. McDonnell did not disclose the donation in his 2012 filings.

Investigators are also looking into other potential gifts that McDonnell did not disclose, the Washington Post reports.

From the Post:

Now, federal officials are trying to determine whether to expand that investigation into a broader look at whether McDonnell or his administration took any action to benefit Star Scientific in exchange for monetary or other benefits, according to the four people familiar with the interviews. It is unclear whether the probe will be broadened.

Star Scientific, which manufactures the dietary supplement Anatabloc, has recently been the target of a securities probe by Virginia investigators.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2013 Elections Bob Mcdonnell Ken Cuccinelli Republicans Virginia