Donors such as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney produced a recent spike in contributions to a charity set up to raise money for former Gov. Bob McDonnell's legal defense.
The $149,242 in donations to the Virginia Beach-based Restoration Fund from January to March, according to Virginia Public Access Project data, dwarfs the $11,554 raised over the prior six months.
Many of the newer donations from Romney and other deep-pocketed contributors came after McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were charged in a 14-count federal indictment in January alleging that they misused their public positions for personal benefit. They were charged with various public corruption counts after a monthslong investigation into their connection to Richmond-area businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr.
Authorities say the McDonnells sought to improperly promote through state government a health supplement made by Williams' company while he lavished $165,000 in expensive gifts on them and their family.
The couple denies any wrongdoing and is fighting the charges. A trial has been scheduled for July 28.
Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee supported by McDonnell, gave $10,000 to the fund in March.
Other recent five-figure donations came from coal-mining magnate Richard Gilliam ($50,000), former state Commerce and Trade Secretary Jim Cheng ($15,000), and investor Fred Malek ($10,000).
A February email from the Restoration Fund soliciting contributions said McDonnell "is in the fight of his life" and estimated his "defense will cost in excess of a million dollars," with half of that in trial costs alone.
Fund spokesman Jason Miyares on Tuesday said the group is "grateful for all the support from Governor Romney and others who are standing with Bob McDonnell during this time."
Records show nearly all of the money raised during the three-month period -- $140,000 -- was spent on payments to three law firms.
(c)2014 The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.)
