Virginia ex-First Lady Maureen McDonnell sentenced to one year and one day for corruption

McDonnell’s husband, the former governor, previously sentenced to two years in prison

(Getty Images)

Maureen McDonnell, the former first lady of Virginia, was sentenced on Friday to 12 months and one day in prison for her role in a corruption scandal involving more than $165,000 in gifts for the favour of McDonnell and her husband, former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

The former governor was sentenced last month to two years in prison for his part in the bribery scheme, according to Reuters.

The McDonnells were convicted in September of giving political favour to former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans, including designer apparel. Among the gifts was a $6,500 Rolex watch that the first lady gave to the governor for Christmas.

Prosecutors were seeking an 18-month sentence for the former first lady. The defence had asked that she be given community service and said the public humiliation she had faced was punishment enough.

When she steps behind bars, she will be the first modern spouse of a governor to do time for felonies committed while serving as first lady or first husband, USA Today reported.

Follow Payton Guion on Twitter @PaytonGuion.