Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images.

Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen were released on own their own recognizance today by a federal judge as they await trial on corruption charges. They both entered not guilty pleas.

The McDonnells were indicted this week for allegedly accepting gifts and loans from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr. in exchange for using the Governor’s Office to lend support to Williams’ company. Both of the McDonnells have denied any wrongdoing, saying the gifts were legal.

More on today’s hearing from The Post:

The couple entered U.S. District Court about 9:15 a.m., holding hands as they walked past a line of reporters and others waiting to enter the courtroom. Robert McDonnell hugged a priest who was waiting in line, and smiled and nodded when asked by reporters if he would comment after the hearings.
…
They sat side-by-side at a defense table, flanked by lawyers, during the first of two hearings Friday. Neither said much in court, only answering a judge’s routine questions.

The Post reported yesterday that McDonnell rejected a deal to plead guilty to one felony fraud charge and spare his wife any charges. A trial date has been set for late July.