Ex-Va. gov's son arrested on drunk-driving charges

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A son of a former Virginia governor was arrested Thursday on drunk-driving charges, police here said.

Robert "Bobby" Ryan McDonnell, 23, of the Richmond, Va., suburb of Glen Allen, was arrested at 3:25 a.m. ET Thursday, about 2 miles from two beach houses that his family owns. McDonnell's father, former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, was convicted Sept. 4 in federal court on multiple public corruption charges along with his wife, Maureen McDonnell.

The younger McDonnell was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a breath test.

The beach houses and the financial strain that they caused the McDonnell family during the recession was one element of the six-week trial in Richmond.

Bobby McDonnell's twin brother, Sean, was arrested in July 2013 in Charlottesville, Va., charged with public intoxication. Sean McDonnell, who was attending the University of Virginia at the time, was found guilty the next month.

During their parents' trial, prosecutors called on Bobby McDonnell to talk about his relationship with wealthy businessman Jonnie Williams, who gave the governor and his wife gifts and loans in hopes of getting favorable treatment for his nutrition supplement company.

Bobby McDonnell told the jury that he considered Williams a mentor and successful businessman. They golfed together at an exclusive country club on at least one occasion.

A new set of golf clubs that Williams gave the younger McDonnell was among the gifts federal prosecutors said were high-priced items used to bribe the couple.

Bobby McDonnell is not now in police custody. The time he will appear next in court was not immediately available.

The former governor's sentencing is scheduled Jan. 6; Maureen McDonnell's sentencing is Feb. 20.