The trial of disgraced former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich has just concluded. After two weeks of deliberation, the grand jury returned only a single guilty verdict. Blagojevich was only convicted of one count of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sentencing will soon follow, and he could face up to five years in prison for giving false statements to government officials. Federal prosecutors have already announced they fully intend to re-try Blagojevich.
Jury renders verdict after two weeks
It was about two years ago when Rod Blagojevich was arrested because he tried selling the U.S. Senate seat that Barack Obama left empty. This led him to be impeached and removed from office. 24 accusations of corruption were charged against him. There was a clear verdict given after two weeks of thinking. The judge declared a mistrial on 23 of the 24 accounts and announced the guilty verdict on one count of providing a false statement to the FBI.
U.S. Attorney will file for a retrial
The New York Times, reports that a retrial for Blagojevich is wanted by the U.S. Attorney's office. A lie to the FBI was what he was convicted of. Making false statements to the FBI is a federal crime, which carries a fine of up to $ 250,000 or up to five years in prison, or both. Some hope that he could be given both.
Blagojevich seen as stereotypical Chicago politician
Politics in Chicago are generally corrupt. Rod Blagojevich has a previous governor, George Ryan, who was convicted after being removed from office. Ryan was sent to federal prison for corruption. We have no idea where Rod Blagojevich could be since a second trial may be happening soon. He could end up serving all five years in prison.
No comments:
Post a Comment