Fmr Gov. McDonnell, Wife Found Guilty of Corruption

It's the worst case scenario for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen. A jury found the couple guilty Thursday of corruption, fraud and bribery -- basically selling their authority for personal gain.

As one guilty count after another was read by the clerk both bowed their heads and wept. The governor was found guilty of 11 of 13 charges and his wife was found guilty of nine charges.

The convictions come after the couple accepted more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessman Jonnie Williams, who was interested in promoting his company's health supplement Anatabloc.

The assistant U.S. attorney called it a "disappointing day for the Commonwealth," adding "when officials turn to financial gain for official acts they have no choice but to prosecute."

"Public service frequently requires sacrifice and almost always requires financial sacrifice," Dana Boente, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, said.

In court, the defense argued the McDonnells' marriage was so strained there's no way they could have conspired and that despite considerable personal debt, they didn't need Williams' money.

The former governor took the stand in his own defense, testifying for five days of the five-week trail.

After the verdict, McDonnell said he will continue to fight to prove his innocence.

"All I can say my trust remains in the Lord," McDonnell said as he emerged from the courthouse.

McDonnell, once a rising star in the Republican Party, was considered a possible running mate for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

"Obviously I'm upset about it and I wish I could have brought it home for my client today," McDonnell's lead defense attorney Hank Asbill, said.

The convictions come with significant prison time. The pair could face decades in prison when they're sentenced in January.

The McDonnells plan to appeal.