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* Tribune…
The final case to stem from the corruption investigation into imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich comes to a close Thursday, when a multimillionaire who once wielded enormous political influence in the state is expected to face a judge for sentencing.
William Cellini, 77, was convicted last year for his role in trying to get a $1.5 million campaign contribution for Blagojevich from the Oscar-winning producer of “Million Dollar Baby” in exchange for state business. The Springfield businessman was once known to political insiders as the King of Clout for his behind-the-scenes influence in state government.
Federal prosecutors want a 6 1/2- to eight-year prison sentence, while defense attorneys have asked for probation.
* The Question: Do you lean more toward the prosecution sentencing request or the defense request? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
*** UPDATE *** Here’s a ScribbleLive thingy for Cellini’s sentencing…
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 12:53 pm
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Splitting the difference makes the most sense. He doesn’t deserve 6.5 years, nor does he deserve probabtion. Call it 3 years at the most, 2 would be fine.
This is less about Cellini and more about making the next Cellini think twice before crossing any lines. Probation would send the opposite message to would be influence peddlers. There have to be dire consequences for public corruption if we hope to change our state’s reputation as a cesspool.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 1:01 pm
Voted “Prosecution” because even ONE day is more than Cellini wants, so ….
Give Cellini the “Year and a Day” like Eddie Vrdolyak and be done with it. The very first day William Cellini gets to prison, has to be … um, “humiliated” upon entering, and then being stuck there for 9 months or so (85% because of the 1 year and a Day gets you to qualify for 85%), then Bill Cellini can move on with his life.
I now call this the “Eddie V.” Rule.
If Vrdolyak got called back to go to “college”, then 99% of the Dopes doing the Political thing in ILlinois NEEDS to do the Year and a Day.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 1:02 pm
It sends a bad signal to potential wrongdoers if he gets off lightly just because he is sick and has been kind to some people.
Comment by Cassiopeia Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 1:25 pm
The full bit the prosecution wants. If we are serious about eliminating corruption the wrongdoers should get the same amount of leniency that is given to the run of the mill low income offender. Just because they have influential friends that can write letters doesn’t make a bit of difference.
Comment by Irish Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 1:34 pm
I want to see him in prison as long as the prosecution is asking for.
I’m still bothered by the discrepancy in sentencing we saw for Blago and Harris and if another guy gets a light sentence from Zagel just because he can get the right pols to write him favorable letters, it will make me wonder if Blago was punished to the extent that he was because of Blago’s crimes or his lack of popular, clouted friends at the end of the day.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 1:57 pm
Prosecution - Deterrence
Comment by x ace Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 2:14 pm
Prosecution. He should serve some time.
Like Ryan, the fact he is old and sick should not work. Like Ryan he was free for years delaying the inevitable.
Comment by Sir Reel Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 2:16 pm
Jeez, I hope I never contest a traffic ticket and end up with any of you on the jury.
Yes, I know you don’t get a jury trial for those, but still.
Before conferring sentence, can any of you judges provide a plain English, non-lawyer explanation of the guilty offenses?
Because I have struggled for a long time to figure that out, hence my vote for the defense.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 2:19 pm
He deserves something for not having the sense to steer clear of the baffoon blago. He’s done what he’s done since the late 50’s early 60’s and it took a moron like blago to bring him dowm.
Comment by Springfield Dan Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 2:28 pm
I voted with the prosecution. The state’s corruption will never stop if we don’t make people realize there is a cost to their crimes. The cost has to be greater than just the “cost of doing business”
Comment by Past the Rule of 85 Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 2:51 pm
After all his legal fees and no state business ties for the past five years, I wonder if Cellini is still even a millionaire.
Rezko called Cellini over 100 times. Cellini never called Rezko. Cellini was dragged into prosecution due to the need to go after a Republican after so many Democrats.
Blago being in prison is the deterrence.
Comment by Capitol View Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 3:16 pm
Voted for the defense.
“Before conferring sentence, can any of you judges provide a plain English, non-lawyer explanation of the guilty offenses?”
It’s apparently pretty technical.
Something along the lines of “Intent to commit criminal activity”.
Welcome to the US DOJ Pre Criminal Activity Division.
Comment by Judgment Day Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 3:19 pm
Defense. We put too many people in prison in this country.
It’s a non-violent offense, in which no money actually changed hands or anyone was harmed.
He’s guilty of being a player who played the game as he found it better than most.
I have no illusions about Cellini. I believe he was corrupt for a very long time. But he shouldn’t wear the jacket for what we think about him, but only for what he was convicted based on the testimony of Levine.
He’s not a threat to society by any means. He’s old and sick and I’d rather he paid his own medical bills. As far as deterrence, the prisons are filled with crooks who weren’t deterred by the threat of prosecution.
I’m not a sanctimonious professional victim like Kass who worships at St. Patrick of Fitzgerald and thinks we’re helpless lambs who only federal prosecutors can save. (Do you recall Kass howling for prison time for Fast Eddie? I wonder why not?)
As citizens, we get the government we deserve. We don’t get redemption for our long-standing toleration of corruption by nailing one old man to a cross.
Put a bracelet on him. Keep him at home in Springfield. Go after his money. But no prison.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 3:34 pm
–Cellini was dragged into prosecution due to the need to go after a Republican after so many Democrats.–
You’re going to have to back up that conspiracy theory. Plenty of GOP types have gone down during the Big Heat.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 3:38 pm
Mr. Cellini should not have been charged in the first place. This was the prosecution going after an easy target for being rich. It’s called Capitalism. I hope Mr. C walks.
Comment by Stumped Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:05 pm
By the way Arthur Anderson, you certainly can get a jury trial for a traffic ticket. Most people don’t request one because if you are convicted it will greatly increase your court costs but you can have one if you want!
Comment by girlawyer Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:08 pm
Thanks girlawyer. If I ever get pinched, I’ll call you.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:24 pm
Split the difference, we can’t just let criminals of the hook because their old. What kind of president would that set?
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:28 pm
Split the difference, have him spend 1/2 the time cleaning the hotel he left the state with.
Mr Cellophane finally got nailed.
Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:35 pm
“Year and a Day” …
I’ll be here all week!
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:54 pm
Most of the comments on this subject are idiotic- A grand jury returned an indictment- Dan Webb attempted to have it thrown out and was unsuccessful- Cellini chose to go to trial rather then negotiate a plea agreement- Absent a miracle, Zagel will properly sentence him to a relatively short prison term- Under the federal guidelines you get leniency when you take responibility and demonstrate remorse- its a catch 22 once you proceed to trial because to reserve your appeal- you won’t admit fault- Once the indictment withstood the motion to dismiss- cellini took his chance going to trial- he lost and a prison sentence is appropriate-his only shot is to ask the Court of Appeals to delay his reporting to prison pending his appeal and that is remote-the real problem is the ease of violating a federal criminal statute- most people are totally uneducated as to the vast scope of criminal issues under the federal system-if people think cellini deserves a break- they are wrong-he broke a federal law and has shown a total lack of remorse
Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:55 pm
One year and one day.. that’s it!!!????
I am shocked Zagel gave him such a light sentence
Comment by Mr.Big Trouble Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:55 pm
CELLINI GETS “VRDOLYAKED
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 4:57 pm
Oh to be present to see the look on Rod’s face when he hears the news that Cellini got off so easy.
Which do you think made Rod’s week worse, the Cubs breaking their record for losses or learning that Cellini might be out before the All Star game next year?
Is it possible Cellini could serve his time at the MCC downtown? Great view of the city, close to some good hospitals, basketball on the roof.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:07 pm
That’s a lot of money to spend to send a guy away for only ten months. Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:11 pm
===learning that Cellini might be out before the All Star game next year?===
The ‘year and a day’ allows for the 85% service, or so I remember, so by Bears Pre-Season next year with a report date of Jan 4 is still pretty good.
===Is it possible Cellini could serve his time at the MCC downtown?===
Dunno if MCC ‘allows’ for service of a sentence. I remember, and I can be very wrong, but the MCC is for holding over for trial, holding over to testify, and short term transfers.
“Scotty” may know …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:13 pm
“Columnist and Blogger arrested for Speeding and Reckless Driving”
Miller, 50, of Springfield, told the arresting officer after being clocked at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone, “I ran out of smokes waiting on Bill Cellini’s sentence.”
Deputy Sheriff Anthony Stromboli said, “Tell it to the Judge.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:15 pm
===That’s a lot of money to spend to send a guy away for only ten months. Just sayin… ===
Wanna bet the Acting USA is not pleased… not one bit!
Between Eddie V. and Bill Cellini … the “Bench” ain’t helping with their sentencing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:16 pm
A year and a day. Is the day to assure that he goes to prison? He needs to be at a medical facility like Terre Haute, doesn’t he? Even if he serves 8 months, that is not going to be easy. The health care is nothing to brag about and the guards treat you like dogs.
Comment by PPHS Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:18 pm
Willy, fwiw, Rezko was there “serving sentence” for awhile, wasn’t he?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:20 pm
===Is the day to assure that he goes to prison? ===
No. If he was sentenced to a year, he’d have to serve pretty much all of it. Year and a day means he can get time off for good behavior, etc. That’s why he’ll be out in 10 months.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:25 pm
Under federal sentencing rules- you get a month off a year for good behavior but only if your sentence is longer then one year- by giving the extra day, Zagel is really giving him 11 months- The BOP can shorten it even more and let him out to a half way house toward the end of his sentence/ This was really lenient given he proceeded to trial- Vrdoylak pled guilty
Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:25 pm
===Most of the comments on this subject are idiotic… the real problem is the ease of violating a federal criminal statute- most people are totally uneducated as to the vast scope of criminal issues under the federal system-if people think cellini deserves a break- they are wrong-he broke a federal law======
You argue against yourself and claim others are idiots? Weird, that.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:27 pm
===“I ran out of smokes waiting on Bill Cellini’s sentence.”===
A good friend took pity on me and delivered some.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:29 pm
Disgusted.
Why does it make a difference that he got 360 letters, “the most ever”? Is justice blind, or does justice get stars in its eyes when it gets a fan letter from someone rich and powerful?
The crime he was convicted of committing involved an act against 13 million Illinoisans so 360 people still loving the guy doesn’t amount to much.
This Zagel sentence coming down after the joke time that Harris got just tells me that Zagel’s 14 years against Blago (which I supported) was based solely on personal animus against the guy and not on the law.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:32 pm
Rich-Under the law, Everyone is responsible for knowing wwhether their actions are illegal- my criticsm is with the federal penal code- I feel more sympathy for the Virginia janitor who was imprisoned for letting sewage overflow in his apatment leak into a federal waterway then I do for Bill C
Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:35 pm
===The crime he was convicted of committing involved an act against 13 million Illinoisans===
Only if you believe that a completely unprecedented $1.5 million contribution to RRB was actually real to begin with. I find it very hard to believe.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:35 pm
===Willy, fwiw, Rezko was there “serving sentence” for awhile, wasn’t he?===
He was indeed there … because he was on the witness list for pending trials…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:41 pm
Somebody remind me, if I get Alzheimer’s by then, that I can go on a white collar crime spree in my 70’s and get a wrist slap because I’m well-off and white, look so kindly and am nice to old ladies, animals, and my grandkids.
Cellini should have got three years. I think he’s taken longer foreign vacations than this sentence, by the time he’s served it. But whatever, the case is closed now. Who’s next?
Comment by Newsclown Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:47 pm
was it a felony? or closer to a misdemeanor? I think more like a felony and therefore one year and a day is pretty much a double wrist slap and should be more.
Comment by amalia Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:48 pm
As I recall, Rezko was at MCC awaiting sentencing and it was not a nice place to be.
Comment by PPHS Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:48 pm
===As I recall, Rezko was at MCC awaiting sentencing and it was not a nice place to be.===
You are also correct, and he was awaiting sentencing because … he was also on the Witness List for other trials … a “two fold” holding.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:50 pm
Thanks.I found the explanation to the year and a day, here, also. http://www.famm.org/Repository/Files/FINAL_Good_Time_FAQs_10.21.08%5B1%5D.pdf
Comment by PPHS Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 5:59 pm
- PPHS -
Look! I may be wrong, but I think Rich said there would be no “math” on the blog!!
Thanks for the explanation.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 6:03 pm
“Only if you believe that a completely unprecedented $1.5 million contribution to RRB was actually real to begin with. I find it very hard to believe.”
@Rich
Your question asked whether we thought the sentence was appropriate, not whether we thought he was guilty of the crime he was convicted of doing.
Obviously, if he didn’t commit the crime (as you appear to be saying you think to be the case, but correct me if I’m wrong) then I think the sentence of even a year and a day was too harsh. But a jury found him guilty.
Thus, I think he should be judge in sentencing the same way anyone would. And he shouldn’t get a special deal in sentencing just because he can afford to hire the former U.S. Attorney from Winston and Strawn to represent him and he can ask hundreds of pols he raised money for and got state business from over the past several decades to write him nice recommendation letters to get his sentence reduced when he needs their help the most.
That a judge would even take these letters into consideration just gives off a vibe of clout infecting even the sentencing for public corruption convictions, which pretty much defeats the whole purpose of public corruption prosecution in the first place.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 6:06 pm
Willy, you are right as usual. Thanks for clearing up my faulty memory.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 6:09 pm
- AA -
We’re all good … Should you be worried about tour alleged faulty memory, or should I be worried about knowing a little too much about Rezko’s Penal History and the usage of the MCC?
No snark…
With kindest personal regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 6:17 pm
Sentence seems about right….but then I ain’t the one doing it.
Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 7:28 pm
Who knew that the key to a good white collar defense was a strong letter-writing campaign.
Makes me wonder what the attorneys bill for that.
And why stop at direct mail? Campaign suppliers should start marketing yard signs to convicted players.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 7:39 pm
Hey YDD,
Re: Ryder Cup
I saw your post. I was working on something, and 11 was as early as I got there …lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 7:42 pm
“Dave Pepperton - the ‘P’ stands for ‘Parole’”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 7:45 pm
AA Jr, age 26, has a great way of putting events in the proper perspective. He reminded me of his past confinement for about the same time, in a small, noisy,windowless cell, with three other people. Food was adequate but plentiful. He was far from home for the first time and the threat of death was ever-present.
Of course, the rest of the story is that he is a US Naval Aviator recently deployed aboard an aircraft carrier for a deployment in the Arabian Gulf.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 7:58 pm
–Most of the comments on this subject are idiotic–
Yet they were written by folks who had reached a state of evolution where they had developed opposable thumbs and could occasionally hit a return bar, comma, period or other accepted point of grammar.
Wow, I did it. One long sentence, one endless paragraph, one mind-numbing point. All in one.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 8:13 pm
- Arthur Andersen -
Please … Thank you Son for his service.
Because your Son gave up his freedom on that carrier, we, back here, are free.
Thank you, AA Jr.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 8:28 pm
Age and health should not be a “get out of jail free” card. Mr. Cellini could have plea bargained. Mr. Cellini could have cooperated with federal prosecutors and provided additional information (does he know anything about how Kjellander got the 2003 bond deal, for example). Instead, Mr. Cellini exercised his constitutional right to ask for a trial, and was convicted. And off to federal prison he goes.
Comment by Smitty Irving Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 8:52 pm
Thanks, Willy. I’ll pass that along.
Smitty, I’ve taken exception to some of your posts in the past, but you raise one good question here tonight.
What happened with Kjellander?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 9:20 pm
I think the sentence is excessive - however his sentence should be flexible and his job assignment a good match. Assign him to Thomson with the job of managing and organizing the opening of it. When it opens , he is out. Records will be made and we’ll have our money back. He is a good and honorable man who has done much good throughout his life, I wish him well.
Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Oct 4, 12 @ 9:24 pm
The legal system is far from perfect…just remember that. Imagine having this happen to yourself if you you really didn’t do anything wrong but it just looked like it. Scary.
Comment by Ocean Jockey Friday, Oct 5, 12 @ 3:51 am
===What happened with Kjellander? ===
Just because a Tribune columnist was once obsessed with him doesn’t mean he did something indictable.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 5, 12 @ 8:03 am
Make them seriously consider and expect the “full extent of the law” in the sentencing and then the majority of them (though not all) will suddenly pause and reflect on whether they truly wish to break a state or federal law in Illinois. Back up your threats or you will get no respect.
Comment by Telling It Like It Is Friday, Oct 5, 12 @ 8:21 am
“He deserves something for not having the sense to steer clear of the baffoon blago.”
Gee, I hope they don’t apply this standard to Tammy Duckworth.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 5, 12 @ 8:31 am
Kjellander
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/blagos_risky_bet_on_derivatives.php
Plus he has the onus of approaching Karl Rove to get Patrick Fitzgerald fired.
Comment by Anyone Remember? Friday, Oct 5, 12 @ 8:59 am