WASHINGTON — Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday lost his latest appeal to have his federal corruption convictions overturned.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond denied McDonnell’s petition to rehear the case, either before a three-judge panel or en banc (the full court).
The Associated Press reports that Henry W. Asbill, one of McDonnell lawyers, says the former governor will take his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A three-judge panel this summer upheld McDonnell’s convictions of taking more than $170,000 in gifts and loans from Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams in exchange for promises to boost Williams’ supplement company.
McDonnell and his wife Maureen were convicted last year. Both have been free pending their appeals; hers is scheduled to be argued this fall.
McDonnell has said numerous times that he knows in his heart he is innocent.
In Tuesday’s order denying McDonnell’s motion for the full 4th Circuit or another three-judge panel to hear his case, the court said eight judges voted against the petition and no judges voted for it. Seven judges recused themselves from the vote.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
