Former Va. governor and his wife plead not guilty

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife pleaded not guilty today to federal charges that they traded their influence for tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and loans, and both will be allowed to remain free until their trial.

Bob and Maureen McDonnell were released on their own recognizance but were ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Novak not to leave the country. The former governor's lawyer, John Brownlee, told Novak the defendants already have surrendered their passports.

Clearly exasperated by months of news stories about the case based on anonymous sources, Judge Novak sternly lectured lawyers from both sides not to discuss the case with the media. He warned that such conduct violates a local court rule and could result in contempt-of-court charges.

"This case is going to be tried in the courtroom; it is not going to be tried in the media," Judge Novak said. "The gamesmanship with the media ends now."

The McDonnells' trial has been set for July 28.