Judge Grants Cuccinelli's Request to Withdraw from Case

A Richmond judge has granted Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's request to withdraw from the politically charged embezzlement case against a former Virginia Executive Mansion chef.

Circuit Judge Margaret Spencer on Thursday deferred until May 14 a motion by defendant Todd Schneider to dismiss the four-count indictment.

Spencer appointed Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Gregory Underwood to prosecute the case.

Schneider meanwhile is demanding the state provide information about the relationship between Gov. Bob McDonnell and Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams, who also has given thousands of dollars in gifts to Cuccinelli. Schneider also says in court papers that he gave investigators evidence a year ago of alleged wrongdoing by McDonnell and his family.

Cuccinelli said Schneider's attempt to implicate McDonnell required him to withdraw because the governor is his office's chief client.