Blago to Report to Prison Later
On Tuesday afternoon, Rod Blagojevich was granted another month before the start of his 14 year sentence.
The reprieve was handed down by Judge James Zagel who recommended that Blagojevich be sent to the Englewood federal prison in Colorado. The former governor is now due to report prison on March 15, after the initial Feb.16 date.
Judge Zagel sentenced Blagojevich to 14 years on Dec. 7. Blagojevich was convicted on 18 counts of corruption including his June convictions on charges of an attempt to sell or trade President Barack Obamas old U.S. Senate seat.
In little over two months, the disgraced public official will say goodbye to his familywife Patti and two daughters, Amy, 15 and Annie, 8.
The sentence was handed down following the conclusion of the impeached governors second corruption trial.
The first trial concluded with deadlocked jurors who agreed on one of 24 countsthat Blagojevich lied to the FBI.
During the second trial, Blago was found guilty on 17 out of 20 counts.
In written statements, several state elected officials responded to the sentencing.
Secretary of State Jesse White said he hopes Blagojevichs fate is a solid example that corruption is intolerable.
I want to commend Judge James Zagel on his firm but just sentence of former governor Rod Blagojevich. Hopefully this sends a strong message that unethical conduct is unacceptable, said White.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan also issued a statement saying the former governor deserves the sentence.
Based on his convictions for numerous crimes he was caught on tape committing during just one six-week period - Blagojevich deserves a lengthy prison sentence. Unfortunately, though, it cannot fix the damage he inflicted on our state over his six years as governor. Blagojevich became governor by promising ethical reform, but from the start, he relentlessly used his position to pursue illegal and morally bankrupt schemes motivated by power and greed, stated Madigan.
Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka who ran against Blagojevich for the governors seat in 2006 also released a statement saying she emphasizes for his family but does believes justice was served.
To be clear, I take no joy in seeing any father taken from his children and family for an extended period of time. And yet there is no question in my mind that it is the right decision given the extraordinary damage Blagojevich caused our state, and the importance of sending a clear and unmistakable message that corruption will not be tolerated in our government, said Topinka.
Blagojevichs legal trouble began when he was arrested at his Ravenswood home in Dec. 2008. His arrest consisted of federal corruption charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
by Thelma Sardin
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