Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in…
Next Post: Reckless Pension Bill Would Cost Illinois Billions
Posted in:
* 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.
* 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.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 3:26 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in…
Next Post: Reckless Pension Bill Would Cost Illinois Billions
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Will Patti testify at the hearing?
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 3:52 pm
The only person who can do him any good is himself, and that’s highly iffy.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 4:02 pm
Why on earth would it take two days…oh. Never mind.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 4:16 pm
Frankly, Cheryl44, I’m surprised that it will only take two days. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 4:26 pm
Unfortunately for Rod the Chewbacca defense does not work as well at sentencing.
Perhaps they are doing more research into what the judge likes so Rod can say something like jail would keep him away from his new found interest in Celtic Dance or whatever judge Zagle is into.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 4:28 pm
Or he might try this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvujknrBuE&feature=related
Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 4:30 pm
Were I Blago & Co., (and thank God I’m not), I would want to get things wrapped up before the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 5:59 pm
Blag the self-impaler still thinks he can con anyone. Lived his whole life that way…why not one more time.
Comment by Park Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 6:31 pm
December means another delay — he will ask not to report until after the holidays.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 6:57 pm
Of course he will testify,that way he can go on WLS at least 10 times before he is sentenced.Time on the stand at least 7 days.He might still be here for Easter.
Comment by mokenavince Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 7:06 pm
Blagojevich believes he can charm his way out of this, so he will give it a go.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 8:38 pm
i think his intention is it would be his “hail mary”, throw everything against the wall, play to the public, kind of performance that he would LIKE to make. i was working for the people, look at how bad things are now, i was the only one holding the line blah, blah blago.
if the judge allows it, it would be classic blago. if he restricts it, i expect a diatribe from patty how their rights were trampled.
Comment by langhorne Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 9:50 pm
I predict Springfield bars will do an epic level of business in those 2 days. I know I plan to get schnockered the day Zagel drops the gavel.
Comment by Gregor Monday, Nov 7, 11 @ 9:52 pm
Gregor–I’m thinking about my own personal Corruption Countdown–a drink every day until he’s sentenced.
Comment by Champaign Dweller Tuesday, Nov 8, 11 @ 7:38 am