Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges including an attempt to sell or trade the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he was elected President of the United States. Blagojevich is the second of last two governors to serve time in federal prison for corruption. George Ryan, Sr. who preceded Blagojeich as the 39th Governor began serving his six and half year prison term on November 7, 2007 where he is still listed as Inmate Number 16627-424 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Like all politicians caught with their pants down Blagojevich when first charged vehemently denied the allegations. On Wednesday, December 7, 2011 before he was sentenced by US District Judge James Zagel, he admitted guilt in the 18 felony counts on which he was convicted. He apologized to the people of Illinois, Judge Zagel and to the family that will live without his presence as he serves his sentence. U.S. District Judge James Zagel was stern in his verbal reprimand of Blagojevich telling him that his arrogrance and refusal to leave the office made his apology too little and too late. The Blagojevich that appeared yesterday was far from the defiant one seen in the early days of the allegations against him. Blagojevich said that the next most difficult challenge will be to explain his sentence to his two daughters age 15, and 8.
Blagojevich’s attorney said that they would appeal the sentence. The 14 year sentence was less than the one requested by the prosecutors; they had requested that he serve 15 to 20 years. Blagojevich is 54-years old (his birthday is Saturday, December 10th) and is to begin serving his sentence in February 2012.