Blagojevich

Audit Finds All Kids Plan is Shrinking

WNIJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:30:57 +0000

One of Rod Blagojevich's top legislative achievements is slowly dwindling away. An audit of the All Kids program shows there's less and less to review. Rod Blagojevich was so proud of All Kids, he mentioned it in his farewell speech before going away to prison.

Illinois Powerbroker Sentenced to Just Over Year in Prison

WNIJ — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:54:15 +0000

A judge in Chicago has sentenced William Cellini to a year and a day in prison. A federal jury convicted Cellini in November of conspiring to shake down the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a contribution to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign.

Blagojevich fundraiser dodges prison time

Robert Wildeboer — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:04:40 +0000

Ali Ata donated $50,000 to Rod Blagojevich. In return he was appointed the executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority, a job that paid $125,000 a year.

Ata pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his relationship with the corrupt Blagojevich fundraiser and advisor Tony Rezko. But prosecutors say Ata began cooperating during Rezko's trial and ended up being a key witness.

On the stand Ata detailed a meeting where he gave Rezko a $25,000 contribution.

Blagojevich's goodbye: good enough for a pardon?

Susan Stephens — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:54:55 +0000

Former governor Rod Blagojevich made his last public speech Wednesday before heading off to federal prison. He may want to change his tune if he’s looking to get out of prison before his 14 year sentence is completed. That’s according to P.S. Ruckman, a Rock Valley College political science professor and expert on presidential pardons.

Presidential Pardon for Blagojevich?

Dan Klefstad — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:25:48 +0000

Rod Blagojevich's prison sentence is 14 years. His best chance of getting out early is a petition of clemency to the White House.