Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will ask the Supreme Court to review his conviction on public corruption charges, which landed him with two years in federal prison.
McDonnell lawyer Henry Asbill told CNN affiliate CBS 6 in Richmond, Virginia, Tuesday that they will appeal his conviction to the nation’s highest court.
The announcement came shortly after the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the McDonnell team’s request for a hearing in front of the full court. A panel of judges on the the Fourth Circuit upheld McDonnell’s conviction last month.
McDonnell is the first Virginia governor to go to prison. He was found guilty this past January of using his office to benefit a political donor and friend who ran a vitamin supplement business.
In a statement released Tuesday, McDonnell proclaimed his innocence and said he was “very disappointed” in the ruling.
“In my 38 years of public service to my country and the commonwealth, I have never misused my office nor ever promised anyone anything in exchange for money. I will continue my journey for justice to the highest court in the United States,” McDonnell said.
His attorneys also pledged to continue the fight in a statement, saying their quest has national implications.
“The facts of this case and the court ruling have serious negative consequences for nearly every public official in America,” the attorneys said. “We will not cease our legal fight until Gov. McDonnell is fully vindicated.”