Blagojevich Sentencing Could Be Delayed

Rod Blagojevich is going to prison. But an announcement of just how long could be pushed back a few days because of a scheduling conflict with the judge.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel set Blagojevich’s sentencing for Oct. 6. But the trial of Springfield power broker William Cellini — which entails allegations involving Blagojevich fund-raisers — is scheduled to start before the same judge and some of the same prosecutors, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.

"Obviously, history would indicate that a judge who’s in the middle of a trial is not going to delay the trial for a sentencing," said Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky.

The former governor was convicted in June on 17 of 20 corruption accounts, including shaking down Children's Memorial Hospital and trying to sell Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

Though many of the charges carry 20-year sentences, experts predict he'll serve about 10. Blagojevich remains free on $450,000 bond.

 

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