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In the federal indictment, issued Thursday, Rod Blagojevich, 52, faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to investigators. Only 16 of the counts are against Blagojevich; three counts in the indictment are against aides and advisers.
In a written statement addressing the indictment, Blagojevich maintained his innocence.
"I'm saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment. I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name. I would ask the good people of Illinois to wait for the trial and afford me the presumption of innocence that they would give to all their friends and neighbors,"
If convicted, Blagojevich faces a possible 300 prison sentence and at least $4 million in fines, plus restitution, according to the indictment.
Blagojevich's administration has been under federal investigation for years and federal prosecutors have him on tape describing Barack Obama's Senate seat as something so valuable "you just don't give it away for nothing."
Posted April 3rd, 2009 by Michael Santo
