Charged with bribery, Robert McDonnell could face up to 30 years in prison. (Image via Wikimedia/Gage Skidmore)

Authorities say business executive Jonnie Williams Sr provided clothes, private flights, money and even golf equipment to the McDonnells, under the expectation that the ex-governor would use his position to help Williams' dietary supplement company, Star Scientific, thrive. 

McDonnell, whose gubernatorial term ended this year, is the first governor to face criminal charges in Virginia. If convicted, he and his wife could serve up to 30 years in prison.

The former politician denied the allegations. 

“I come before you this evening as someone who has been falsely and wrongfully accused, and whose public service has been wrongfully attacked,” he said Tuesday, according to the Washington Post. 

Prosecutors, however, say that Maureen McDonnell lied to investigators about their encounters with Williams and tried to hide the nature of the relationship. 

Read more about the story here. Contact Executive Producer Raishad Hardnett here.