News
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested on Corruption Charges
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on criminal charges after months of investigation by federal officials.
Blagojevich, a Democrat, attempted to sell the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama, according to reports of the indictment on Tuesday. In previous months, Obama distanced himself from the governor after the investigation ensued.
In Illinois, the governor selects a successor when there is a mid-term vacancy in the U.S. Senate. Obama resigned from the Senate soon after winning the presidential election on November 4. Since then, Blagojevich has reportedly put the seat up for sale, available to the highest bidder.
Blagojevich allegedly was caught on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month. He was seeking a "substantial" salary for himself at a non-profit foundation or union affiliated organization, a spot on a corporate board for his wife, promises of campaign cash, as well as a cabinet post or ambassadorship in exchange for his Senate choice, an FBI affidavit said.
In addition, Blagojevich was accused of threatening to withhold state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of the Chicago Cubs' home baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, in order "to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical" of him. On Monday, the Tribune Co. filed for bankruptcy.
Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were charged in a federal complaint with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. Both were arrested and taken into custody at their homes in Chicago.
The arrest is not an indictment as of yet. According to legal sources, the arrest is just a complaint, but can become an indictment after a grand jury reads the 76-page affidavit associated with the charges.
Illinois First Lady Patricia "Patti" Blagojevich is mentioned a number of times in the FBI affidavit, in which the governor said the "f-word" 18 times. Mrs. Blagojevich was not arrested Tuesday, but federal prosecutors allege that she was involved with the governor's attempts to sell Obama's U.S. Senate seat and to intimidate the Tribune.
Each mail and wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while each bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
The arrest adds to the string of supposed corruption in Chicago and Illinois politics that Sen. John McCain referenced during his presidential campaign against Obama. Blagojevich follows the path of his predecessor, former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who is currently in jail for corruption charges.
U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald, who prosecuted Ryan, will also prosecute Blagojevich and Harris. Fitzgerald called the case "staggering" in a press conference Tuesday morning.
Blagojevich was released on $4500 bond after a hearing on Tuesday afternoon. He and Harris had to turn over their passports and any firearms they have in their homes.
Click here for more Political News on YourFindit
About YourFINDit
YourFindit Community is a business, music and social networking community. YourFINDit provides members with a wealth of applications that enable them to create an in depth profile within YourFindit. Profiles include an About Me, Background and Lifestyle, Videos, Photo sharing, News, Music, Blogs, unique URL and networking with other members inside the YourFINDit community. YourFindit provides ADit to each member providing them the opportunity to have an exclusive profile (no outside advertising) displaying only banner ads they upload to their pages. Members can run their own ads or give or sell their ad space to advertisers at prices the member sets.
To create your profile sign up and within minutes you too can have your People profile running your ads and building your network with new members daily.
YourFindit is owned and operated by TransWorldNews, Inc. a news and press release distribution service.
YourFindit profile where Your space is really Your Space
More News
Kathy Griffin Wants To See A Female President In Her Lifetime
Kathy Griffin Wants To See A Female President In Her Lifetime
Released On: 7/26/2019
Views: 2073
California To Become First State To Extend Health Benefits To Some Illegal Immigrants
California To Become First State To Extend Health Benefits To Some Illegal Immigrants
Released On: 6/10/2019
Views: 2027
First Lady Melania Trump Criticized For Leaving Sunglasses On During D-Day Ceremony
First Lady Melania Trump Criticized For Leaving Sunglasses On During D-Day Ceremony
Released On: 6/7/2019
Views: 2169
Donald Trump's Cabinet List Continues To Expand
Released On: 12/14/2016
Views: 7524
Donald Trump Faces A Turning Point In His Presidential Bid
Released On: 10/13/2016
Views: 6930
The Clear and Present Danger is Upon us Now
General David E. Quantock, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) in his official capacity as Provost Marshal General
Released On: 7/13/2013
Views: 10566
President Barack Obama Secures Re-Election Bid With More Than 300 Electoral Votes
The presidential election closed last night with incumbent Barack Obama defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney. As of Wednesday morning, President Obama had secured his re-election bid with 303 electoral votes, a number well over the minimum ...
Released On: 11/8/2012
Views: 7442
LORD CHRISTOPHER MONCKTON AND AUTHOR, TOM BALLANTYNE TO SPEAK IN VENTURA COUNTY
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 6:30 P.M. — Lord Christopher Monckton and author, Tom Ballantyne, have teamed up to speak at this special event. They will be discussing the eligibility issue, specific concerns about the man who calls him ...
Released On: 5/29/2012
Views: 8044
Donald Trump Announces He Will Not Run For President
Donald Trump announced Monday that he will not run for president in 2012. The real estate mogul and reality show host cited his love for business as the reason behind his decision.
Released On: 5/17/2011
Views: 10509
President Obama Releases Birth Certificate, Donald Trump Takes Credit
President Obama Releases Birth Certificate, Donald Trump Takes Credit
Released On: 4/27/2011
Views: 8692
Donald Trump “Seriously” Considering Running For President
Donald Trump “Seriously” Considering Running For President
Released On: 2/11/2011
Views: 7449
November 2 Election Results for Arizona Governor and Senate
November 2 Election Results for Arizona Governor and Senate
Released On: 11/4/2010
Views: 14095
November 2 Election Results For Alabama Governor and Senate
November 2 Election Results For Alabama Governor and Senate
Released On: 11/4/2010
Views: 7927
Sen. John McCain to Block National Intelligence Director Nomination
Sen. John McCain to Block National Intelligence Director Nomination
Released On: 8/3/2010
Views: 4338
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Charged with Ethics Violations
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Charged with Ethics Violations
Released On: 8/3/2010
Views: 3977
President Barack Obama Signs Financial Reform Bill into Law
President Barack Obama Signs Financial Reform Bill into Law
Released On: 7/22/2010
Views: 8053
President Barack Obama to Meet with Relatives of Workers Killed in Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explosion
President Barack Obama to Meet with Relatives of Workers Killed in Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explosion
Released On: 6/11/2010
Views: 8938
Helen Thomas, Longtime White House Correspondent, Retires Following Criticism Over Recent Remarks Caught on Video
Helen Thomas, Longtime White House Correspondent, Retires Following Criticism Over Recent Remarks Caught on Video
Released On: 6/8/2010
Views: 7818
