Rod Blagojevich

Rod Blagojevich Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison

Ryan J. Reilly | December 7, 2011, 1:41PM

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich departs his home in Chicago, en route to the court to hear his sentence on 18 counts of corruption. December 7, 2011 (Associated Press)

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

The Chicago Sun Times reports from the courtroom that "Blago" told the court he was "unbelievably sorry." The judge said Blagojevich's sentence reflected his acceptance of responsibility:

Read more »

Rod Blagojevich

Prosecutors Say 'Public Humiliation' A Result Of Blagojevich Running His Mouth

Ryan J. Reilly | December 5, 2011, 6:19PM

Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) deserves 15 to 20 years in prison for trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama, federal prosecutors argued in a filing on Monday.

Blagojevich, scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, had asked the court for leniency. Justice Department officials say his pleas for a break show why a harsh sentence is necessary.

"Blagojevich repeatedly committed serious criminal acts that have done enormous damage to public confidence in Illinois government," the government said in a filing signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar. "He has refused to accept any responsibility for his criminal conduct, continues to blame others for his criminal misdeeds, and has no mitigating factors beyond those frequently found in this Courthouse."

Read more »