Ex-Gov of Illinois, 5 Others, Charged in Alleged Obama Senate Seat Scam
Federal prosecutors in Chicago today unveiled a much-awaited indictment not only against impeached former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich but his brother and four other aides and associates.
Among other allegations, the indictment in the political corruption case accuses Blagojevich of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now-President Barack Obama, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Specific charges include racketeering conspiracy, extortion and wire fraud conspiracy, according to the New York Times and the Washington Post. The felony charges against the former governor include 11 counts of wire fraud, three of extortion and one of lying to federal investigators.
The 75-page indictment, the Post writes, “describes a political operation designed from the beginning of his first term to strengthen the governor’s hold on power and make money that Blagojevich would receive after he left office.”
Prosecutors said the former governor used his work concerning state appointments, state investments and the signing of Illinois legislation as a means of making money and seeking campaign contributions and jobs for himself and others, the Times reports.
Also named as defendants in the indictment are Rob Blagojevich, who took over as head of his brother’s gubernatorial campaign fund last August; longtime Springfield, Ill. insider William Cellini; Christopher Kelly, formerly a top fundraiser for the governor; and John Harris and lobbyist Lon Monk, both of whom formerly served as chief of staff for the governor.
The prosecution is based in part on recorded telephone conversations between Blagojevich and others.
