A judge refused to dismiss embezzlement charges against a former Virginia Executive Mansion chef Friday.
Richmond Circuit Judge Margaret Spencer rejected a defense motion to toss out the four felony counts against Todd Schneider.
The decision clears the way for a trial in a politically explosive case involving top Republicans in mid-October, just three weeks before Election Day.
Schneider is accused of pilfering food from the mansion kitchen when he worked as the chef for Gov. Bob McDonnell and the governor's family. Schneider claims he was told to take supplies from the mansion kitchen as payment for catering private and political events. He also claims McDonnell family members took items from the mansion kitchen.
Last week, McDonnell reimbursed the state almost $2,400 for items taken by his children.
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