Virginia Gov Didn't Disclose $6.5K Rolex From Donor

Sources say McDonnell's wife convinced CEO to give expensive watch
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 26, 2013 12:55 PM CDT
Virginia Gov Didn't Disclose $6.5K Rolex From Donor
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks to the press in front of a statue of George Washington at the Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 in Richmond, Va.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The latest fallout from the investigation into Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's relationship with a dietary supplement company involves a $6,500 Rolex. Two sources tell the Washington Post that Jonnie R. Williams Sr., CEO of Star Scientific, gave McDonnell the watch in 2011 and McDonnell failed to disclose the gift. Williams is the same person who paid $15,000 for the catering at McDonnell's daughter's wedding. The sources say McDonnell got the watch within weeks of Williams' meeting with a top state health officials to pitch his company's products.

McDonnell's wife, Maureen, had arranged the meeting, and the sources say that moments before it began, she admired Williams' Rolex and suggested he get another one that she could give her husband. Money and $15,000 worth of clothing provided to the first lady are also under investigation, sources say, but the watch is the first undisclosed gift used directly by McDonnell, rather than one of his family members. He still insists he's properly disclosed everything; since taking office, he's disclosed personal gifts worth $9,650 from Star Scientific and Williams. (More Bob McDonnell stories.)

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