People News

Rod Blagojevich gets 14 years

By April MacIntyre Dec 7, 2011, 19:26 GMT

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich sits in his automobile as he leaves his home to attend the second day of his sentencing hearing on his corruption convictions in Chicago, Illinois, EPA/TANNEN MAURY

Former governor and ex reality TV star Rod R. Blagojevich was sentenced on Wednesday to 14 years in federal prison for 18 felony corruption convictions, including trying to sell or trade the Senate seat once held by President Obama.

Blagojevich apologized in court to all parties including his family and Illinois residents.

During the trial, federal prosecutors said he deserved at least 15 to 20 years in prison. Blagojevich’s lawyers obviously sought the lowest sentence possible.

Blagojevich is Illinois’s fourth governor to be shunted to prison, in a state known for Chicago styled politics long rumored steeped in backroom shady business. Former Gov. George Ryan, is currently serving six+ years at a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind. for corruption.

Blagojevich leaves his wife Patti, the daughter of a Chicago Alderman, and two young daughters alone as he serves his time.

Blagojevich was arrested in December 2008, after federal authorities were secretly recording his phone calls as part of a broader criminal investigation, catching Blago dead to rights wheeling and dealing a senate seat for campaign donations and other graft favors.

Former Golden Gloves boxer Blagojevich appeared on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" season nine, and wife Patti appeared on the NBC reality show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here" in 2009.