Don’t Mess with the Chef: Bob McDonnell’s downfall

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gov-bigFormer Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were charged Tuesday, January 21, with illegally accepting gifts, luxury vacations, and large loans from wealthy Richmond-area businessman, Jonnie R. Williams Sr., in return for special treatment from the state government.

Questions:
1. Did McDonnell’s wife commit fraud by accepting the $3,500 refund? Discuss.
2. What was the tip that the chef called into the Va. state fraud hotline? Discuss the chef’s involvement in the case.
3. What is quid pro quo? Explain it in terms of the McDonnell story.

Source: Helderman, R. and Carol Leonnig. Former Va. governor, wife indicted in ethics inquiry. The Washington Post, Jan. 22 (Retrievable online at http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/01/22/former-governor-bob-mcdonnell-and-wife-indicted/7MLlBahsChxQHA4L7apxLJ/story.html)