By LARRY O’DELL and MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is facing sharp questions from prosecutors about details of his personal finances at his public corruption trial.
As the trial entered its fifth week, prosecutors began their cross-examination of McDonnell. He and his wife, Maureen, are charged with providing special favors to a wealthy businessman in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans.
The pointed questions prompted long pauses and lengthy explanations from McDonnell, who was admonished by the judge to just “answer the question.”
McDonnell disputed prosecutors’ assertion that his joint real-estate venture with his sister was in financial trouble. Prosecutors have said McDonnell’s financial desperation is what prompted him to accept money from former Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams. McDonnell says he considered Williams a friend.
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