Blagojevich

Much has been written, including here on the Financial Fraud Law Blog, about the trial and corruption conviction of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. But it may be that some of the statements made today at his sentencing - 14 years in prison and a $20,000 fine - speak best to the case.

Rod Blagojevich, who had been convicted by a jury of 18 corruption counts stemming from what prosecutors contended was his effort to try to auction off President Obama’s Senate seat, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Blagojevich acknowledged in court that he had made “terrible mistakes” but declared that he had "never set out to break the law."

More to follow....

Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich:  "Let me begin by first and foremost thanking my legal team." [Lists lawyers by name]

"Let me also express my appreciation to men and women who served on the jury....Thank them for their hard work and for the sacrifice they made."

Told people of Illinois "I didn't do anything wrong...persecute me...This jury just showed you...that government threw everything but kitchen sink at me...couldn't prove I broke any laws except for one nebulous conversation five years ago..."

Ill. Gov. Burris says "fair trial"

Why didn't Rahm Emanuel, Jesse Jackson Jr., and others whom former Gov. Rod Blagojevich allegedly attempted to obtain bribes from testify? Where was the money/assets Blagojevich obtained from his alleged crimes? 

Shortfalls in government's case?  Apparently so....

We expect to have comments from former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his lawyer, and prosecutors - who have been on the case for years - shortly.  

These are likely to be the key questions asked of the jury by news media in coming days....

Robert Blagojevich lawyer Michael Ettinger:  felt good about jury and "how it paid attention." "We'll be ready for the next one."

"We may put on certain witnesses" next time that he did not put on this time.

More to follow....