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Corruption Trial of the McDonnells Opens With a Family Twist

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An attorney for the wife of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell says their marriage was broken and the former first lady developed a crush on a businessman who gave the McDonnells gifts and cash.

The statement came during the couple's corruption trial.

The McDonnells are charged with accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from businessman Jonnie Williams in exchange for helping promote his dietary supplements company.

Maureen McDonnell's lawyer William A. Burck said Tuesday during opening statements that the former first lady was "duped" by Williams into thinking he cared for her.

Burck said Williams also fooled the Department of Justice and has received immunity from a $10 million stock fraud investigation in exchange for testifying against the McDonnells.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.