Update at 11:48
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife pleaded not guilty to bribery charges Friday, in the couple’s first court appearance after being indicted earlier this week.
McDonnell and his wife Maureen were charged Tuesday with a 14-count indictment alleging they accepted bribes in the form of golf fees, luxury vacations, clothes, and cash, from the chief executive of the company Star Scientific, Reuters reports. In exchange, prosecutors allege, the couple helped set up meetings between government officials and company executives to help the fledgling business.
Once touted as a possible GOP candidate for president or vice president, McDonnell has apologized for accepting the gifts but denied he broke the law.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David Novak released the couple on their own recognizance and ordered them not to leave the country. A lawyer for McDonnell said the couple has surrendered their passports.
A jury trial date has been set for July 28, 2014.
This story was updated after the McDonnells appeared in court
[Reuters]