Jury reaches verdict in Blagojevich trial

[Ralph Wiggum]

Sources: Feds say Rod Blagojevich could get 30 years to life in prison

Federal prosecutors argue Rod Blagojevich could serve 30 years to life in prison, sources say — a sentencing range that will be bitterly disputed by the former governor’s defense lawyers.

Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky called the government’s numbers “harsh and cruel,” Wednesday but said he wouldn’t discuss them. The prosecution’s calculation was submitted in private. Sorosky said the defense would put forth its own version that is a far cry from the government’s.

“We are preparing a submission to Judge Zagel, which is far, far, far under those draconian and harsh and cruel numbers,” Sorosky said. “We are making our own guideline calculation which is fair and based on facts and the evidence at trial.”

Blagojevich, 54, who is now scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6, was convicted in June on 17 of 20 counts of corruption, including charges that he schemed to sell President Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich was also convicted last year of one count of making false statements to the FBI.

The range put forth by prosecutors is not set in stone, and their calculations sometimes differ from the amount of time they actually recommend that a judge give a defendant.

[JohnnyReb]

Sources: Feds say Rod Blagojevich could get 30 years to life in prison

Federal prosecutors argue Rod Blagojevich could serve 30 years to life in prison, sources say — a sentencing range that will be bitterly disputed by the former governor’s defense lawyers.

Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky called the government’s numbers “harsh and cruel,” Wednesday but said he wouldn’t discuss them. The prosecution’s calculation was submitted in private. Sorosky said the defense would put forth its own version that is a far cry from the government’s.

“We are preparing a submission to Judge Zagel, which is far, far, far under those draconian and harsh and cruel numbers,” Sorosky said. “We are making our own guideline calculation which is fair and based on facts and the evidence at trial.”

Blagojevich, 54, who is now scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6, was convicted in June on 17 of 20 counts of corruption, including charges that he schemed to sell President Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich was also convicted last year of one count of making false statements to the FBI.

The range put forth by prosecutors is not set in stone, and their calculations sometimes differ from the amount of time they actually recommend that a judge give a defendant.

Why so long before the sentencing?....is that so the judge and lawyers can get their "fair share" of the dirty money?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Why so long before the sentencing?....is that so the judge and lawyers can get their "fair share" of the dirty money?

While the dirty money comment is entirely possible, I have heard that this delay is normal in a federal case.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I just heard that apparently the Blago camp leaked this story to garner public sympathy before the sentencing.

Shitbag asshole.

[Chris_]

You'd have to be one crooked, selfish POS to sympathize with Gov. Good Hair.

[thundley4]

You'd have to be one crooked, selfish POS to sympathize with Gov. Good Hair.

*cough* *Obama* *cough*

[Ralph Wiggum]

*cough* *Obama* *cough*

If we can get Obama out of office next fall, I wonder if a Blago pardon will be in the works?  And/or Tony Rezko.

[CG6468]

If we can get Obama out of office next fall, I wonder if a Blago pardon will be in the works?  And/or Tony Rezko.

Bagoshit was the governor immediately after the crooked George Ryan, and Bagoshit did things that were even worse. I hope he spends a lot of years in the slammer - maybe with Bubba.

[DefiantSix]

You'd have to be one crooked, selfish POS to sympathize with Gov. Good Hair.

Sounds like the majority of the Illinois voter base, if you ask me.