Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years in prison

December 8, 2011

Chicago, Illinois: On Wednesday, December 7, Federal District Judge James Zagel announced Blagojevich's sentence at 14 years starting within 90 days. In addition, Judge Zagel has ordered Blagojevich to pay a $20,000 fine. Prior to receiving his sentence the former governor gave a dramatic apology to the state, though this had little effect on Judge Zagel who said, "It comes late." Judge Zagel made note of the fact that Blagojevich refused to resign from his position even after he was indited and that the first time he and his lawyers admitted that crimes took place was at sentencing. Judge Zagel also strongly emphasized the damage done to public trust by Blagojevich's actions, saying, "When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn, disfigured and not easily repaired. The harm here is not measured in the value of money or property. The harm is the erosion of public trust in government." These factors combined to push Judge Zagel away from being lenient, though the 14 year sentence is less than the 15 to 20 years asked for by federal prosecutors.