‘My Life Is In Ruins’: Words From The Blagojevich Sentencing

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.

For example, U.S. District Judge James Zagel told Blagojevich, "When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn and disfigured and not easily repaired." 

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, no doubt implicitly referencing the incredible number of recent Illinois governors who have been convicted and jailed, stated, “The short answer is this must stop.... We don't want to be back here."

And then there were Blagojevich’s statements:
 
·         “I’m here convicted of crimes. The jury decided I was guilty. I am accepting of it. I acknowledge it, and I of course am unbelievably sorry for it.”
·         “I want to apologize to the people of Illinois, to the court, for the mistakes I have made.”
·         “I am responsible. I caused it all. I’m not blaming anybody. I was the governor, and I should have known better. And I am just so incredibly sorry.”
 
And then there was this, perhaps the essence of Blagojevich’s comments: “My life is in ruins.”