Rod Blagojevich sentenced to 14-years

Three years after he was arrested outside his Chicago home on federal corruption charges, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison.Blagojevich is the fourth former Illinois governor to be convicted of criminal charges since 1973, and received the longest sentence. U.S. District Judge James Zagel said he could not comprehend the defense position that even if Blagojevich were guilty, the governors conduct caused no harm to the state of Illinois.The harm is the erosion of public trust in government, Zagel said, adding that when the governors office is tainted, the fabric of all government is torn and disfigured and not easily repaired. You did that damage.Blagojevich, who will turn 55 on Saturday, was convicted in June of multiple corruption counts for trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by then president-elect Barack Obama and for using his office to extort campaign contributions and jobs for himself and his wife.From the time of his arrest until his conviction, he launched a national campaign to proclaim his innocence, appearing on television talk and entertainment shows, even being a contestant on Donald Trumps Celebrity Apprentice.Wednesday was the first time Blagojevich expressed contrition, telling the judge he was unbelievably sorry, but stopping short of admitting guilt.Im here convicted of crimes, Blagojevich said. The jury decided I was guilty. Im accepting of it. I acknowledge it and of course Im unbelievably sorry for it.Zagel said Blagojevich had now taken responsibility for his conduct and said he considered that in calculating his sentence. But ultimately, the apology came too late, Zagel said.Zagel also disputed the defense theory that Blagojevich was misled by his staff.The governor was not marched along the criminal path by his staff, Zagel said. He marched them and ruined a few of their careers.Blagojevich was also fined $20,000. Under federal sentencing rules, Blagojevich must serve 85 percent of his sentence, or about 12 years, said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.Its profoundly sad that we are here for the second time in five years to discuss the conviction and sentencing of a governor of Illinois, said Fitzgerald, referring to the conviction of Blagojevichs predecessor, George Ryan.