McDonnell Attorneys Request Community Service In Lieu of Prison

Lawyers for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell are asking a judge to sentence him to community service in lieu of prison for his federal corruption charges.

McDonnell, who was found guilty of 11 federal corruption charges following a six-week trial earlier this year, could face decades in prison for promoting a dietary supplement in exchange for more than $177,000 in gifts and loans.

In a 51-page sentencing brief filed Tuesday, defense attorneys suggested probation and serving 6,000 hours of community service over the next three years.

Prosecutors have not yet filed their sentencing brief, though the federal probation office estimates a sentence of 10 years and one month to 12 years and seven months would be appropriate, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

McDonnell, once touted as a possible presidential candidate, is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 6 by U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer. His wife, Maureen, was also convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 20.