RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The defense is going to start presenting its case in the public corruption trial of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.

The jury will hear the first defense witnesses Monday as the trial enters its fourth week in U.S. District Court in Richmond. Forty-five witnesses testified for the prosecution. Among them was former Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams.

Prosecutors claim the McDonnells accepted more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from Williams in exchange for promoting his company's dietary supplements. Williams received immunity for his cooperation with the government.

Defense attorneys have said Bob McDonnell will testify at some point. They indicated in court papers that Maureen McDonnell probably will not testify.

The McDonnells could face decades in prison if convicted.

(Story by: Matthew Barakat and Larry O'Dell, The Associated Press)

 

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