Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years-January 2024-www.zdask.com

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.The former Illinois governor was sentenced to 168 months in prison by Judge James Zagel on Wednesday, after being convicted this summer of 17 counts of corruption, including trying to sell now-President Barack Obama's Senate seat.

Blagojevich was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Feb. 16, 2012 to begin serving his sentence. The prison term is the longest ever imposed on a former governor in the Northern District of Illinois.

“When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn, disfigured and not easilyrepaired,” said Zagel.“The harm here is not measured in the value of money or property...the harm is the erosion ofpublic trust in government."

We have all the details from the courtroom, as well as analysis from Blagojevich's own defense team, a former federal judge and others about the punishment onChicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

Several officials have released statements about the Blagojevich sentencing. Read a few of them below.

Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for theNorthern District of Illinois

“Blagojevich betrayed the trust and faith that Illinois voters placed in him, feeding greatpublic frustration, cynicism and disengagement among citizens. People have the right to expect thattheir elected leaders will honor the oath they swear to, and this sentence shows that the justice systemwill stand up to protect their expectations."

Robert D. Grant, SpecialAgent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

“The sentence handed down today represents a repayment of the debt that Blagojevich owesto the people of Illinois. While promising an open and honest administration, in reality, the formergovernor oversaw a comprehensive assault on the public’s trust."

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois

“Judge Zagel's sentence is a clear warning to all elected officials that public corruption of any form will not be tolerated.”

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon

"We cannot rely on a prison sentence to deter corruption. Illinois needs stronger ethics laws to kill pay-to-play politics. It's time we expose conflicts of interest before they cost taxpayers, and clear the way for true public servants to rebuild trust with the public. Increased transparency, coupled with the threat of serious prison time, can end these shameful courtroom battles. Together we can put this chapter behind us, restore integrity to government and live up to our legacy as the Land of Lincoln.”

Attorney General Lisa Madigan

"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. His conduct was disgraceful, and the cost to the state has been devastating. Blagojevich refused to govern responsibly and, instead, put Illinois up for sale. He tarnished the state’s reputation nationally and internationally, and he destroyed the public’s trust in government. May today’s sentence put an end to corruption in the Illinois’ governor’s office."

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka

"I take no joy in seeing any father taken from his children andfamily for an extended period of time. And yet there is no questionin my mind that it is the right decision given the extraordinarydamage Blagojevich caused our state, and the importance of sendinga clear and unmistakable message that corruption will not betolerated in our government."

Congressman Adam Kinzinger

"Rod Blagojevich has never understood the fundamental difference between serving the public and serving his own personal interests; Ultimately, the people of Illinois have suffered the consequences. Although Blagojevich's punishment will not restore statewide, much less nationwide certainty in Illinois, some justice has been served to our State today. We must now move past this humiliating time in history and turn our focus toward working together to rebuild Illinois."

Illinois GOP chairman Pat Brady

"Today's sentence ends the Rod Blagojevich saga, butunfortunately his enablers continue to burden the people ofIllinois with financial mismanagement and higher taxes that havecaused the downward spiral of the Illinois economy, and alsowidespread distrust of our public officials."

David Morrison, deputy director of the Illinois Campaign forPolitical Reform

"He put a price tag on state jobs, state actions and statecontracts. He had to get paid before anything could happen. Thedamage he did was more severe than anything George Ryan did."

State Representative Jack D. Franks (D-Woodstock)

“Today, justice has been done. The deliberate acts of bribery, extortion and fraud that ultimately led to this day warrant a punishment tantamount to the serious nature of Blagojevich’s crimes. Let this day be a firm warning to those in public service – we will not rest until integrity and accountability serve as the rule, not the exception, in state government.

“With this verdict we all must reaffirm our commitment to ridding Illinois of leaders that allow personal ambition to trump the public good. I remain devoted to eliminating pay-to-play politics and a culture of corruption that has permeated Illinois politics.

“The Blagojevich saga has come to end, but the challenges our state faces remain. We owe the people of Illinois a government that pays its bills and one that cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and nurtures economic growth. We owe the people of Illinois an honest government that works for their interests.”

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford

“Rod Blagojevich brought the 14 year sentence on himself. He deceived the people of Illinois far too long for what the jury substantiated as his own personal gain. Today’s sentencing is proof that such corrupt, embarrassing behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois.”

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