The trial has ended for Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Two weeks of deliberation left the grand jury giving a single guilty verdict out to him. One count of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation was given to Blagojevich. Since he gave false statements to the government, five years in prison might be given, although sentencing hasn’t happened yet. Federal prosecutors have decided to re-try Blagojevich already.
Two weeks before verdict
Rod Blagojevich was arrested two years ago in connection with federal surveillance that indicated he was trying to sell the seat within the United States Senate vacated by Obama. This led him to be impeached and removed from office. He was charged to have 24 accusations. Two weeks was enough time for the jury to choose what the verdict was. The judge announced a mistrial on 23 of the 24 accounts and announced the guilty verdict on one count of providing a false statement to the FBI.
Retrial wanted by U.S. attorney
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. A federal crime was committed meaning five years or a $ 250,000 fine will be given to him. Some people can be hoping for both.
Blagojevich known as a politician that is stereotypical
Politics in Chicago are typically corrupt. The previous governor before Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan, was also removed from office and convicted. Ryan was sent to federal prison for corruption. We do not know where Rod Blagojevich will be since a second trial may be happening soon. He might have the fate of five years in prison.
