Star witness in McDonnells' trial stays nimble

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/08/star-witness-mcdonnells-trial-stays-nimble



Surrounded by reporters, former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams leaves the federal courthouse in Richmond after testifying Thursday, July 31, 2014.

Star witness in McDonnells' trial stays nimble
By Bill Sizemore
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 2, 2014

RICHMOND

The seats are hard, and there's no popcorn, but for political junkies, the Jonnie Williams show is the best in town.

For three days, the high-flying businessman at the heart of Bob McDonnell's public corruption trial has mesmerized a packed courtroom, describing the improbable tale of how the ex-governor and his wife, Maureen, arrived at the brink of decades in federal prison.

~snip~

Williams is the centerpiece of prosecutors' case against the former first couple, who are charged with soliciting more than $160,000 in loans, lavish gifts, golf outings and luxury vacations from him in exchange for promoting his diet supplement business from the governor's mansion.

He is testifying under a grant of immunity from prosecution.