Charges ranged from the alleged sale of Obama’s vacant Senate seat (11) wire fraud counts as well as conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted extortion and conspiracy to solicit a bribe (9).
Some of the charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. A status hearing for sentencing was set for Aug. 1.
Saw the news on television, will provide links as soon as I find them.
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[Update] Links are coming out fast.
ABC:
A jury has convicted Rod Blagojevich of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat and other corruption charges.
Jurors delivered their verdicts Monday after deliberating nine days.
Blagojevich had faced 20 charges, including that he sought to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat and schemed to shake down executives for campaign donations.
Blagojevich testified for seven days, denying wrongdoing. Prosecutors said he lied and the proof was on FBI wiretaps. Those included a widely parodied clip in which Blagojevich calls the Senate opportunity "f------ golden."
Another ABC link.
Chicago Tribune, Sun Times Publication Naperville Sun.
Of the counts, 11 of them involved the alleged sale of Obama’s vacant Senate seat — nine wire fraud counts, as well as conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted extortion and conspiracy to solicit a bribe. Prosecutors broke down the case into five alleged shakedown schemes, including regarding the Senate seat and charged that he held up official acts on the Illinois Tollway, horse-racing legislation, a school grant and on Children’s Memorial Hospital while demanding campaign contributions.
Townhall reminds us:
Blago faces multiple years behind bars for his crimes. He is the second consecutive Illinois Governor to go to prison. Stay tuned for updates...
Bloomberg:
The twice-elected Democrat was accused by prosecutors of attempting to trade official acts, including the appointment of a U.S. senator to replace Barack Obama in 2008 for personal favors and campaign cash.
Blagojevich was convicted of 17 counts, including wire fraud, and acquitted of one count of soliciting bribes. The jury deadlocked on two counts of attempted extortion.
Blagojevich remains free on bail. U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel confined Blagojevich to the Northern District of Illinois.
More at LA Times.
Houston Chronicle and Examiner articles out as well now.
Another MSNBC piece.
According to Chicago Tribune reporter Stacy St. Clair, Blagojevich turned to his wife Patti and whispered "I love you" after the verdict was read.....
Wall Street Journal:
After court was dismissed, Mr. Blagojevich hugged his wife and kissed her on the top of her head. Mr. Blagojevich was found guilty on counts including wire fraud and attempted exortion. He was found not guilty of soliciting bribes.
His attorneys have until July 25 to request a retrial. The judge told Mr. Blagojevich he may not travel outside the northern district of Illinois without permission of the court. "That doesn't mean I will never grant permission," Judge Zagel said.
More coverage from CBS News.
Still adding links as they come out.
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