ALAN SUDERMAN
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A key witness in the corruption trial of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell testified that he made a mistake when he bought a Rolex watch for the governor at the first lady’s request.
Businessman Jonnie Williams said Thursday that he thought it was wrong to buy the watch and didn’t want people to know.
The watch was passed to the jury, where each juror briefly handled and inspected it. Williams said the watch cost between $6,000 and $7,000.
The watch is an important piece of evidence because it represents a tangible chunk of the more than $165,000 in secret gifts prosecutors say the McDonnells received from Williams. Other monetary gifts and loans can’t be presented in court for jurors to hold.
In exchange for the gifts, prosecutors say the McDonnells promoted Williams’ products.
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