Fmr. Gov. Bob McDonnell Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison

WASHINGTON -- Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has been sentenced to two years in prison for taking money and gifts in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement while he was in office.

Federal guidelines called for a sentence of up to eight years, but U.S. District Judge James Spencer said sending McDonnell to prison for that long, "would be unfair, it would be ridiculous under these facts."

In September a jury convicted McDonnell on 11 counts of public corruption. McDonnell testified in his defense saying that while he accepted gifts from businessman Jonnie Williams, he did nothing for him in return other than routine political courtesies.

CBN White House Correspondent Jennifer Wishon spoke with Attorney Patrick O'Donnell, partner with Harris, Wiltshire and Grannis about Gov. McDonnell's sentence and the topic of white-collar crime. Click play to watch.

"It breaks my heart, but I have a duty I can't avoid," Judge Spencer said before sentencing McDonnell Tuesday.

Instead of prison time, lawyers for McDonnell asked the judge to order three years of community service with one of several faith-based organizations, including Operation Blessing. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of at least 10 years in prison.

McDonnell's sentencing hearing lasted several hours as the judge allowed nearly a dozen witnesses to testify on McDonnell's behalf. Witnesses included former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder who told the court there's no question that McDonnell would be on the shortlist for the Republican nomination for president if he had not been prosecuted and convicted.

Wilder used the example to show he believes McDonnell has already been punished.

More than 400 letters were submitted to the judge ahead of time from people who know the former governor and wanted to speak of his character.

Before he was sentenced, McDonnell spoke, asking the judge to have mercy on his wife who will be sentenced late next month.

In a strong, yet somber voice, McDonnell told the judge that he was "a heartbroken and humbled man" and that he holds himself accountable.

"I allowed my life to get way out of balance," he said. "I'm 60 years old. Whatever days the Lord allows me, I dedicate anew to the service of others."

The judge has given McDonnell until February 9 to report to prison. It is unclear at this time whether or not he will appeal his sentence.