* From the US Attorney’s office…
At an unscheduled status hearing this afternoon, in open court, U.S. District Judge James Zagel set sentencing for Rod R. Blagojevich at 10 a.m. on Dec. 6 and, if necessary, Dec. 7, 2011. The government and defense were ordered to file their respective sentencing memos by Nov. 30, 2011.
*** UPDATE *** Sun-Times…
Blagojevich’s lawyer, Shelly Sorosky, said in court Monday that he thought the sentencing would take two days.
Sorosky said the ex-governor will testify at the hearing. “I think I can safely say that,” Sorosky told the judge.
Zagel told the defense to notify prosecutors by Dec. 1 if it intended to call any witnesses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar said he thinks most of the witnesses Blagojevich might call already have testified and been cross-examined.
“I don’t know what can be illuminated by calling more witnesses,” Schar said.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* The Sun-Times, by the way, has excerpts from the tapes that convicted Bill Cellini. Click here. And the Barrington Patch has an interview with Cellini juror Jennifer van Boven…
“I served with a phenomenal group of people,” van Boven said. “Everyone was respectful of each other’s thoughts and opinions.”
After three days of deliberation, the jury reached its verdict. Cellini was convicted on two counts: conspiracy to commit extortion and aiding and abetting the solicitation of a bribe. The prosecution made their case that Cellini agreed to use his power at the Illinois Teachers Retirement System to squeeze campaign donations from a Hollywood producer who did business with the state.
“The bulk of the evidence was in the tapes,” said van Boven, referring to Cellini’s voice on government recordings tying him to the extortion scheme. “There’s no doubt, he was clearly involved.” […]
“It was enlightening to see first-hand the corruption that exists in our state,” she said. “I hope our verdict sent a clear message that people will be held accountable for their actions.”
