Heart Attack Will Delay Cellini's Sentencing

Former Illinois powerbroker faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for an extortion charge and up to 10 years for solicitation of a bribe

The federal sentencing of longtime Illinois powerbroker William Cellini will be set back following the heart attack that he suffered last week.

A Thursday filing in U.S. District Court in Chicago says William Cellini will be sentenced July 20. He faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for an extortion charge and up to 10 years for solicitation of a bribe.

Cellini suffered the heart attack last Monday while going through a medical procedure at Springfield's Memorial Medical Center. He was released the following Wednesday, according to a statement that a family spokesperson made at the time.

A stress test and angioplasty after the infarction showed two blockages in an artery leading from the heart. After having two stents placed, Cellini was released from the hospital with orders to rest.

Thursday's filing doesn't offer any reason for the new date. It was understood before Cellini went for the procedure that the original June 15 date could change. 

Jurors in November found Cellini guilty of conspiracy to commit extortion and aiding and abetting bribery, for actions he took while gathering campaign contributions for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He was convicted of conspiring to shake down the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a contribution to Blagojevich's campaign.

Cellini, a Springfield Republican, was once known as the King of Clout in Illinois for the influence he wielded in the corridors of state power.

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