RICHMOND, VA. – The U.S. Attorney’s office recommends putting former Governor Robert McDonnell on trial again, according to the Washington Post.
The newspaper reports that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wants the Department of Justice to greenlight a re-trial for McDonnell, who initially was found guilty of corruption charges.
This report does not necessarily mean there will be a new trial, according to legal analyst Todd Stone.
“So, for them to come out and say this is what we want to do is a statement that shows they have confidence in that other side of the quid pro quo equation,” Stone said. “So, clearly they have lots of evidence on one side, with the money and other things of value that were given to the governor.”
“The question is, so what did he do in exchange? So, now they could actually hone in on those issues,” Stone added.
Stone said that it doesn’t end with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the Department of Justice.
Once the DOJ makes a decision, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals will have the final say as to whether or not there's sufficient evidence to try McDonnell again.
The Supreme Court vacated McDonnell's convictions recently, and prosecutors have until Sept. 19 to make a formal declaration whether they will move forward with re-trial.
Both McDonnell and his wife were convicted on corruption charges in 2014. Her fate has been stayed until her husband's case is settled.
Read more on the Washington Post.
