Tagged: Blagojevich

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.

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.

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.